Removing old spray paint from an old car finish

[sauce boss]

I just purchased a 1985 Volvo 240DL wagon in medium blue. A previous owner intentionally spray painted the hood, roof and rear hatch flat black. I want to remove it to expose the original color. I've tried turpentine, Mosenbockers Spray Paint Remover, steel wool, warm soap and water and Scotch Brite pads. The steel wool works, but comes close to removing the original paint and the warm water soap works, but is incredibly slow and I' concerned the bong or pot brush will scratch the original paint. I've read about the Meguiar's Clay, but only for small amounts of spray, is it recommended for the massive task that I'm facing?

[Larry A]

Re: Removing old spray paint from an old car finish

You can try the clay . If the blue paint is original you can try lacquer thinner. Try in a small area first.

[sauce boss]

Re: Removing old spray paint from an old car finish

Thanks, I'll give it a try. . . gotta try everything suggested, can't afford a paint job just yet.

[seth1066]

Re: Removing old spray paint from an old car finish

I've gotten rattle can glossy back off of a 1997 C280 with a rotary/wool/105. The paint wasn't prepped very well, if at all, and it came of fairly easy.

[sauce boss]

Re: Removing old spray paint from an old car finish

Thank you for the tip, cherry ride you got there. If mine comes respectible, I'll post a picture.

[seth1066]

Re: Removing old spray paint from an old car finish

Thank you for the tip, cherry ride you got there. If mine comes respectible, I'll post a picture.

Thanks. Bought it brand new in 1968. Wish I still had it.