Removing house paint from a vehicle?

[MuddyOval]

I just purchased a rare vehicle that has a really interesting history (TV show, commercials etc). At one point about a year ago, parts of the vehicle were painted over with some kind of house paint, covering the vinyl decals as well as lots of the original paint.
It's not latex paint though- it's hard as a rock and thick. I tried aircraft paint stripper and it would soften it slightly, but it's difficult to tell how long it can stay on before it eats the original paint underneath. Overall, it didn't work well.
I tried scraping with plastic tools, a high speed rubber wheel, scotch brite pad- nothing does anything to the rock hard paint.
Is there a solvent that might soften the stuff without destroying the paint underneath?
I'm working on a deal to have a high school auto shop class strip and repaint the truck if I can't fix this myself. Our plans are to restore the truck to the exact condition as it was when it was on TV.

 

[kai38]

The A-Teams van?

 

[MuddyOval]

Nah- Longitude Expedition Discovery, the lead truck (#4). It was used in the Mobil One commercials as well as the 13 episode TV series.

 

[wikid]

I just purchased a rare vehicle that has a really interesting history (TV show, commercials etc). At one point about a year ago, parts of the vehicle were painted over with some kind of house paint, covering the vinyl decals as well as lots of the original paint.
It's not latex paint though- it's hard as a rock and thick. I tried aircraft paint stripper and it would soften it slightly, but it's difficult to tell how long it can stay on before it eats the original paint underneath. Overall, it didn't work well.
I tried scraping with plastic tools, a high speed rubber wheel, scotch brite pad- nothing does anything to the rock hard paint.
Is there a solvent that might soften the stuff without destroying the paint underneath?
I'm working on a deal to have a high school auto shop class strip and repaint the truck if I can't fix this myself. Our plans are to restore the truck to the exact condition as it was when it was on TV.

Thats a tough one
The problem is .. if you strip off the old paint it will probably strip off at different rates due to the fact that the mil thickness is different everywhere and the amount of exposure to sun and elements make the paint turn real hard in some cases. I am afraid the only way to strip it off is to let it sit on there and take it off in sections. you will just have to be resigned to the fact that you will loose some of the paint under the house paint.
Have you tried a heat gun?? Just a quick thought.
The best stripper to use is a semi paste stripper I am not sure what aircraft stripper is all about.
If you want some tips pm me and I will give you my mobile number
I refinish wood doors and entryways for a living. You can look at my website incase you need to see why I may be qualified to give you some tips
www.desertrosedoor.com
Thanks Don

 

[MuddyOval]

Thanks, Don- I'll try a heat gun. Never thought of that but it might work. A paste stripper is also a good idea. The stuff i tried was a liquid and it was hard to control exactly where it went. I don't mind if it takes a while, but scraping with my fingernail was getting really old!
Someone had suggested it appeared to be an oil based paint and there may be a solvent that will soften it specifically without damaging the original paint underneath. I'm willing to try anything- worst case, it kinda needed a paint job anyway.

 

[Michael Slade]

Be careful, that aluminum doesn't take much abuse before it starts to change shape. Getting it to behave is pretty tricky.

Don't use any machines or pads on it. You'll just stretch the material and then you're sunk.

IMO you ought to take the body panels off (if you can) and send it to the stripper. I know the fenders, roof, hood, doors, etc...would be doable, but the rear body would be the kicker.

Pics would be fun too.

 

[wikid]

PM sent

 

[MuddyOval]

The backup plan if it comes to stripping the whole thing down is to soda blast it and start from scratch with new paint. It might end up being a fun process because we are planning to involve a high school, so the kids can get some experience and they'll get to work on something unique. There's a school with a metal shop, body shop and a sign shop- so they could do everything we need. If I could find the 'miracle cure' then I can at least get it looking reasonably good this summer and we can repaint it all over the winter.

I've had good luck with soda blasting before on Series Rovers, so the backup plan should work.

I'll have pics to post tomorrow.

 

[Maximus Ram]

Googled it...interesting vehicle

The LONGITUDE Expedition (Nov 2003 to Mar 2005) was a sixteen-month circumnavigation of the globe and a promotion for Land Rover Certified. Four vehicles traveled 44,000-miles through 30 countries to promote awareness of scientific research programs, geography, and cultural diversity in schools, and to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's Disease research.
After passing a 140-point inspection and pronounced "Certified" this vehicle was driven on the 44,000-mile LONGITUDE Expedition.
Eight Drive Around the World vehicles were created for the LONGITUDE Expedition. Four of them traveled around the world and the remaining four were used in the USA to promote free distance learning program in schools and for promotions with Land Rover Certified. The four that went on the expedition were named D1-D4.

Vehicle Role
D1 Technology, Communication, Navigation
D2 Documentary Film crew & Equipment
D3 Recovery 1, Camp Gear/Food/Fridge
D4 Recovery 2, Medical/Tools/Spares

This auction is for vehicle D4.

For expedition details visit: www.drivearoundtheworld.com
For vehicle specifications visit: http://www.automotive.com/2003/12/land-rover/discovery/specifications/
D4 is loaded with expedition accessories, including:
ARB bull bar
ARB safari snorkel
ARB side bars
ARB space case (8 cubic foot storage locker on roof rack)
BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A tires (new) size 245/75/16
HELLA Xenon lamps (2) mounted to brush bar
HELLA halogen lamps (4) mounted to roof rack
HELLA map lights (2) in cab and rear load space
HELLA backup light
GARMIN GPS V
HANNIBAL aluminum roof rack
HANNIBAL roof-top tent 58" wide x 48" long x 12" high (sleeps 2 adults or 2 adults and one child)
HANNIBAL double jerry can holder (2)
K&N lifetime air filter with charger kit
LAND ROVER GEAR waterproof seat covers, embroidered with the Drive Around the World logo
LAND ROVER GEAR rear access ladder
LAND ROVER GEAR class III tow hitch receiver
LAND ROVER GEAR dog guard
LAND ROVER GEAR black rubber mats in front, back, and load space
OLD MAN EMU springs (#779 front, #763 rear)
OLD MAN EMU shock absorbers (#107 front, #108 rear)
OPTIMA starting battery with group 31 deep cycle battery mounted to frame in custom tray
PRO COMP custom wide offset 16" steel wheels
RED BULL R.B.A.D (automotive beverage delivery system)
ROVER ACCESSORIES fuel siphon hose
SCEPTER jerry cans (4) (20 gallons total)
SURE POWER dual battery separator
WARN XD9000 Self-recovery winch
ZODI portable camping shower (new-unused)


Recovery vehicles also include:
EXTREME OUTBACK recovery gear (chains, pull-straps)
HANNIBAL shovel and mount kit
HI-LIFT jack mounted to roof rack
OPTIMA group 31 deep cycle battery (a second deep cycle bringing the # of batteries to three).
PULL PAL sand anchor
This vehicle has been driven with MOBIL 1 synthetic oil (engine, transmission, transferbox, and differentials) since 10,000 miles. All fluids were drained/replaced with fresh Mobil 1 following the expedition. Decal decorated with sixty sponsor logos who supported the sixteen-month LONGITUDE Expedition Badged #4 of 8. (photo of vehicle badge) Includes all service records Sold as-is, no warranty Send inquiries to, vehicles@drivearoundtheworld.com +1 408 354-3289 Buy it now for $56,000 About Drive Around the World Established in 2002, with headquarters in Los Gatos Calf., Drive Around the World is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to inspire a sense of adventure and the tradition of exploration, encouraging people to actively learn about our world and creatively act to understand the humanitarian and environmental problems we face. At present, Drive Around the World uses long-range vehicle expeditions to promote cross-border understanding and goodwill through innovative education and fundraising programs. Drive Around the World conducts programs in association with Land Rover North America and is an Alliance member of Tread Lightly! For more information about Drive Around the World and the Longitude Expedition, please visit our web site at www.drivearoundtheworld.com, send email to info@drivearoundtheworld.com, or contact us at +1 408 354-DATW (3289).

 

[MuddyOval]

I was going to post pics, but it's raining like crazy. That was the original ad for mine, but along the way someone snarfed the pullpal, recovery gear etc.
Here's a crappy pic of it in my shop- if you look closely, you'll see the brighter white paint in front of the rear side window. The fenders and hood also have the painted-over decals.
The HID's, roof tent etc is all in storage elsewhere to prevent things from walking away while the truck sat in storage.

 

[dust devil]

If you find out what kind of house paint was used, let us know. I would like to have house paint that won't come off just from sitting around for a year or two.

 

[spencyg]

Could you steam it off?

 

[MuddyOval]

Steam it off... hmmm. Stupid question- Is there an easy way to try that without buying one of those steam cleaner things? Would a household iron work, ya think (obviously not touching the truck with it).

 

[dust devil]

If you try steaming paint from a vehicle with a steam iron, please take videos.

 

[spencyg]

Just as a test you could try a wet dishrag between the iron and the vehicle...the iron will steam the rag and thus, steam the paint. I'd avoid testing it on a large panel in plain sight....

Spence