Hubcap help
 

Hey guys!
Im not sure if I'm posting this in the right spot. I have some 73 stainless steel c20 hubcaps on the way. From the pictures, these hubcaps looked to be in good shape. I want to get them looking more/less original and put them on my 72 c20. Someone painted these caps burgundy at some point. My question is, what are your suggestions for removing the paint? I was thinking about using paint stripper and lacquer thinner. I have painting experience but I've never removed paint from stainless steel. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I hope everyone is well and safe,
Kels

Re: Hubcap help
 

if he doesn't find your thread, try sending a pm to member hooverfish, he's sold some very nice caps he's restored..

sorry Larry to sell you out, but you do great work :D

now my novice advice would be to start off with one good sample or at least some high resolution pictures of one..

most of the cap is bare in original form so I would avoid mechanical stripping or you'll be buffing until Christmas..

chemical paint strippers should declare metals they're compatible with on the packaging...

Larry can tell you the exact color codes for the black spoke pattern and blue bowtie..

all I remember is the 73 up bowtie is ochre like my first longhorn so I left them :)

good luck!

Re: Hubcap help
 

I believe I would use stripper. address the dings, and go through the polish process. Last is the detail painting

Agree. I stripped some stainless ones that had been completely painted silver. I used some type of gel stripper (can’t remember the name) which took the paint off nicely without damaging the caps.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Hubcap help
 

I bought a set from chevmn that they restored. Maybe they can offer some assistance. They look great.

Re: Hubcap help
 

I use 0000 steel wool (extra fine) and lacquer thinner, comes right off. I'm sure other products work too. Krylon 'true blue' is a good color match for the bowtie. Board member Pickumup sells 'bowtie blue' spray cans for $20 that are the perfect match.

Re: Hubcap help
 

Take the cheap and easy way out first : if you know someone that has a high heat high pressure pressure washer see if you can blow the paint off with that first. Very good chance that will do the job. Even a good high pressure car wash might do it.

Steve weim55 Colorado

Re: Hubcap help
 

There is a aircraft spraycan stripper in a blue can that works great.

Re: Hubcap help
 

I have used Goo Gone before to remove painted chrome without damage to the chrome plating. I had to leave it on for a couple hours, but it did the job.

Re: Hubcap help
 

That's good to know. I've only ever known any strippers to be in a jug. A spray can would be much easier for smaller projects.
I wonder if brake fluid would work, or would that damage the metal - ?

Re: Hubcap help
 

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I still haven't recieved the hubcaps but I'll keep you guys posted on what route I decide to take.