I was wondering if any of you paint gurus could tell me if theres any safe way to remove old paint from a black rubber comfortgrip wheel without harming the rubber? It has supposedly been painted for 22 years, and its still got 99% of the paint on it, so i don't think its gonna be an easy teask to remove, if possible at all. The wheel is black originally, but was painted brown with some type of automotive paint, I don't know if its lacquer or enamel or what... i just know i want it OFF! Can i soak it in lacquer thinner to soften the paint, or will that also ruin the rubber? I'm assuming chemical stripper is a bad idea, but i'm thinking lacquer thinner might be ok on rubber, or whatever the wheel is made from... don't spray guns seal with a rubber gasket? Thats my rationalle for why i think it may be OK to use... Worst case scenario is that i just dye it black again, overtop the brown, but the wheel is really sweet, and if i could just get the damn paint off it safely, i think it would be practically NOS condition... any ideas?

NO suggestions? I thought i'd get the usual 10 responses in an hour! Whats wrong guys, this one stump ya?

thanks for all the help. Maybe I'll try the resto forum. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

I dont know if I would "soak" it in L thinner,would probably use a rag soaked in it and keep an airhose w/blower so you can dry it up quickly if you need to.The L thinner will melt the pastic

I had success stripping lacquer from a har d plastic wheel using really hot soapy water.and coarse wire wool.once you break the surface it should come off in strips keep flushing the surface with hot water.Never tried to do a rubber wheel.I would stay away from harsh chemicals .
There are rubber and plastic friendly strippers available

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jason pollock
66 el camino
s.c.c.c.c #411
T.C.# 1954
n.e.c.o.a