Stripping methods?

Good thread!

I was just about to post a question (still will) but thought it worth chiming in.

I am mid way through stripping the external paint off my Valiant. I’ve bare-metal’d vehicles before using twist knot discs on a grinder but this time I didn’t want to create the noise, dust or deal with the hand-arm vibration.

Instead I’ve opted for using methylene chloride paint stripper and an array of scrapers. 80% of the car is the original primer and top coat hidden below a coat of primer which was applied by the PO, along with body filler here and there from previous repairs to minor dents.

I have spent around 20 hrs so far and done the trunk lid, passenger rear quarter, door and almost both wings. The paint stripper is potent enough to bubble up and soften most of the filler (sometimes takes a couple of passes). Once a panel is clear I’m applying WD40 liberally to stop rusting. I will reapply as needed as I go. It’s cheap and doesn’t take long.

If you can find the time and are able I’d say why not give it a go yourself, it takes patience but is satisfying and you know exactly where you are condition-wise at the end of it all.