This is a great thread.
Thanks for the Acrolite info LVDC!
The only "problem" I have with mine is.......I painted it.....sacrilege, I know.....but probably not the worst you've seen.
Any idea how to get the paint off?
Regulat paint remover?
Soak the whole shell in accetone?
Would accetone ruin it?
I used regular spray enamel a long time ago...I did it in 1987 or early 1988 (not that the date makes any difference...).
I did do a pretty decent job, only a little "orange peel" in the paint.
I kinda like it black, but it would be cool to have it "back to normal".
Any help would be cool!
You're welcome Karl, I wish I could be as informative when it comes to paint removal. I keep so busy with the "regular cleaning" that I don't take on the messy jobs. If I did try to remove paint from an anodized Shell I would first try to ask someone, or Company, that applies this type of finish their recommendations, failing that I would probably get out my heat gun and plastic scraper and give that a try at low heat to see what that does. I always try to stay away from any harsh chemicals. I do know that some strippers are less caustic than others and that Flitz Metal Polish does wonders when it comes to removing stains from anodized Acro's so that would be another process / option that I would consider. The Flitz would hopefully be my savior if, for some reason, the stripper stained the Shell but my guess is that it wouldn't. Please don't hold me to that last statement, it's only a guess.........
Just remember, if using a scraper to use the plastic type, that is unless you have experience with the metal types. I have some friends who are professional wood canoe restorers, that's their only business, that can easily remove layers of old Varnish from the deck of a canoe and not harm the original decal buried beneath. Me, I'm chicken so I sure as heck wouldn't try it............
If you do decide to try a stripper just remember to leave it on only as long as it takes to get the job done and thoroughly rinse afterwards. I have read a number of your posts and know this is something (common sense) that I probably didn't even have to mention, i.e. you seem like you're "smarter than the average bear."
Tomorrow it's Vacation time, a whole 9 days without polishing a single part, or shell. I still can't wrap my head around that one so I better make a last run to the Drum Shop just to "soak it all in" before leaving. Besides that, I have to deliver some parts........
LVDC