Stripping paint off instrument panel

[Chris64]

The dash was filthy and flaking so I washed it with warm soapy water and it flaked way worse. I then went with a scrubber sponge and some Comet to see if that would take it all off. It didn't really change much.

If I paint over it, it will just flake off. If I sand/wire-brush it, it I will ruin the texture.

I tried some lacquer thinner on the back and it worked ok but definitely damages the chrome. So ideally, something that could strip it off without damaging the chrome underneath.

Any suggestions?

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[mtbadbob]

Try a soft wire wheel with a drill attachment, with light pressure.

 

[ali_c20]

Try acetone or other chemicals on the back. Mechanically removing the paint will damage or scratch the chrome.

 

[Chris64]

So far it seems like just tapping it (bristles down) with a detail brush seems to be doing the best job of chipping the paint away without harming the surface underneath. Acetone wasn't working. A Dremel tool with the soft bristles seemed to not hurt anything, but it wasn't removing much. A mini wire wheel didn't work well either. I don't think I'm going to get it to be completely chrome, which might be fun to play with, but hopefully I can get it flat enough that I can primer it without seeing the paint flakes under neath. Or maybe I'll break out the serious chemicals. Why is the chrome there anyway? The volume labels are all painted. I'm pretty sure this is all original stuff.

It's amazing to see a dash that made it through the 90's without the stereo getting cut into a DIN mount. I used to do these SO often.

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