how to remove the black paint on a 72 outer grille?

[jondancer]

i would like to remove the paint from the outer griller of my 72. the black paint is around the headlight bezels. how can i remove this without hurting the grille?
thanks

[Tinkermc]

I find break fluid does one heck of a job and does no damage

[jocko]

if you choose to strip it, keep in mind that the grilles are anodized, so be careful how you choose to strip it. For instance, when someone wants to remove the anodizing, they use oven cleaner - so if what you are using has the same properties, you will likely remove the anodizing also, so pls be careful (unless of course you want to remove it all and polish it out)

[jondancer]

Ya that's why I'm asking, I want to remove the paint and not the anodizing . How can it be done?
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[MalibuVLX]

I've used the aircraft stripper from Advance/Auto Zone. Bubbles the paint and I do several applications so it does not eat too much of what I want to keep on. Use gloves.

[jocko]

Originally Posted by jondancer

Ya that's why I'm asking, I want to remove the paint and not the anodizing . How can it be done?
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jondancer - sorry, I realize I didn't answer your question (because I don't know it, unfortunately) - just wanted to make sure you were aware of the anodizing and it sounds like you are.

Might experiment with a small spot on the back of the grille (i.e. where there is no paint) and see if the anodizing is removed or damaged - if not, then probably ok to remove the paint. If I were doing it (or if you're feeling adventurous and you don't get a better answer) - I'd probably try a rag dampened with paint thinner and just rub it on and wipe it off with water pretty quickly on the back of the grille to see if it affected the anodizing - if it didn't, then that'd be what I'd try on the paint on the front. I wouldn't let anything soak on it.

But - I don't have a definitive answer, hopefully somoene else can chime in.

[jondancer]

what about a scotch bright pad or steel wool?

[SuperC10Tex]

Originally Posted by jondancer

what about a scotch bright pad or steel wool?

Steel Wool is what I use....try a small area first and see if you like the results!

[jondancer]

Goof off worked great.
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