Dear Guys, I have a '69 SS hood in excellent condition that was removed from one of my cars. ( It was Monacco orange ). I would like to put it on another car. A body shop, that went out of business, and the operator sort of disappeared, has stripped 99% of the old paint off. I don't know how it was done, media blasting or ginding or whatever. It was a very good job, no swirls, scratches etc. and the hood is flawless. However, little bits of orange paint are still stuck here and there, like on sides, and it looks like the chrome strip near the windshield was left on, so that's still orange. I don't know any body/paint prep, so I am wondering how to get the last bits off. Do I sand, or use chemicals or what do you suggest? Thanks R. B.

If the remaining areas are in pinch weld edges & flanges it can be very difficult to use abrasives. If you do not have a media blaster in area, or economics are any factor at all, a chemical strip is probably the easiest,cheapest. BE SURE TO FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON CONTAINER. Protect all areas you do not want to strip. Karl

I highly recommend using a spot blaster or the like. Chemicals in these areas can really cause problems because they get into the little nooks and crannies and can't get out, till after the car is painted that is!!!

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1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
"Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

Dear Martinsr, I'm afraid I don't know what a spot blaster is. Could you please clarify for me. Thanks R. B.

Rb, a spot blaster is a small hand held sand blaster. Not nearly as powerfully as a big sand blaster but works wonders on small parts. I too would suggest a spot blaster around the edges or flanges, the spot blasters dont have the pressure like the bigger units so warpage wont be so much of worry but you still need to think about it and move around. They hold around a quart of sand and can be bought for around 45 bucks from MAC tools, Snap on or eastwood sells them. I bought mine from MAC and love the thing, if you can buy the attachment that goes on the tip it acts like a vaccum and sucks up the used sand while you are blasting...Eric

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1970 chevelle
1970 chevelle SS455 not a typo its a buick baby
1949 and 1972 chevy trucks
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/sevt_chevelles

Dear Guys...not trying to be obstructive, I know the advice on this line is the best anywhere...but I do not have a compressor or anything fancy, is there any way with simple hand tools. I know absolutely nothing about this, I just need to know, scrape? sand? what grade paper, in a piece of wood? emory cloth? steel wool...sorry if I'm a block head I just don't want to mess up the good work that has been done for a couple square inches of paint. If the answer is some form of media blast, so be it....I need a truck to get the hood there, then somebody will want a reasonable fee etc. Is that it? Sorry if this seems argumentative, it isn't meant to be. R.B.

rb-- There are a lot of things to learn about prep & refinish. Sounds like you are a little short of the tools and knowledge necessary to do what you want. I am a little confused as to what your plan is. It seems that even if you decide proper method and figure a way to do it, you still have a bare metal part. Perhaps there mignt be value in talking to another body shop and get a quote on taking your hood from where it is now, at least to primer. At least then the part is protected. Next buy, rent, borrow any book or video you can find on auto body and paint. If you have vocational school in area, check on adult education courses available. Visit body shops in area, get to know them, offer to perform any tasks at whatever they are willing to pay with the understanding they will broaden your knowledge of auto body and paint. Offering to work for free, doesn't work in our area, due to workmans compensation rules. Most automotive people are very proud of what we do, and more than willing to show off our skills and maybe even coach a little bit. Until you acquire a little more knowledge, tools, and skills, you may be a little bit ahead of yourself. The fun part is learning it, doing it, and being proud of what you have accomplished. Good luck, Karl

Thanks Karl and all the other guys, I have quite a bit to go by now. I haoped it would be easy, but I guess that was foolhardy. When I finally get this hood done and on my convertibble which is dark green, it will look fabulous so it will be well worth the effort. Many thanks. R. B.

For the paint on the edges try a wire wheel in a drill. Available at hardware store for
around $3-$5.

Please use ALL safety precautions if using wire wheel. 3M also has a fibre pad for use on drill, Safer. Both wire wheel & fibre disc can mark panel if not careful. More choices!! Be safe! Karl