MarthaS
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1965 Friendship Vacationaire
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Post by MarthaS on Nov 24, 2013 18:13:59 GMT -8
Hi All, My BF and I are making good progress on the restore of our 1965 Friendship Vacationaire. The trailer sat at a permanent site before we got it and the previous owners used exterior household paint on the unit including the tail lights. My BF took off the tail lights (reflecto-lights) and has been working to get the layers of paint off. The top layer of latex came off pretty easily but we're having a heck of a time getting off the bottom layer of oil-based paint. Can anyone suggest something to use to remove it without damaging the lenses? I'll try my first attempt at posting a pic below. TIA, Martha
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Post by bigbill on Nov 24, 2013 19:55:33 GMT -8
Sometimes running hot water (as in household water 125/160 degrees)over them for a few minutes will make the plastic and the paint separate enough to gently scrape it off. Use a finger nail or another piece of plastic like a plastic spoon so you don't damage the lens. This is a sometimes works thing. Good Luck
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 24, 2013 20:12:36 GMT -8
Good suggestions from Bill.
Basically you always want to try the least aggressive way to clean first and move up the scale as necessary. You can buy "plastic" single edge razor blades for scraping that will not scratch the plastic lens. LA Awesome Spray cleaner from your 99 cent store is a great cleaner, just cut it down (dilute) with water.
If still no luck, next I would try some denatured alcohol with the plastic blades.
Last, I would use some paint remover. The stuff we can buy today is very weak compared to the products of years ago. Just dab it with an ear swab "only on the painted areas", and remove and wash with water after a couple of minutes. You will need to experiment with the time left on.
Last, try to "wet sand" the lens with 400 to 600 grit wet or dry sand paper. Then buff the lens with some compound on your grinder with a buffing pad. You can buff plastic just like paint if you don't get it hot.
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newmexicogal
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Post by newmexicogal on Nov 24, 2013 20:24:53 GMT -8
I have had good luck removing old paint from metal hardware (like door hinges) by soaking them in full strength window cleaner. I wonder if this technique would work on plastic too? I wouldn't think Windex would damage plastic and it certainly makes paint lift off metal.
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Post by bigbill on Nov 24, 2013 20:49:42 GMT -8
Awesome spray cleaner is fantastic stuff, that is a great suggestion I use it undiluted pat of the time. It will remove blood stains from clothes plus about anything else you can get on a work T shirt and it is very inexpensive.
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Post by vikx on Nov 24, 2013 22:50:26 GMT -8
Always do a small test point, but:
Ammonia might work. It's a good ol' tried and true product... Also, any of the citrus strippers should lift the paint without damaging the plastic. (put the lens in a plastic bag after coating)
Please let us know the results
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MarthaS
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Post by MarthaS on Nov 25, 2013 7:58:33 GMT -8
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll forward to BF and we'll give them a try and I'll report back.
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Nov 25, 2013 10:03:33 GMT -8
It will be good to know what does work out best.
Be careful though, because replacements that are available don't come cheap. VintageTrailerSupply has a replacement that sells for near $50, and there is a pair of these lights complete and new on ebay, asking price is $249!
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 25, 2013 19:09:39 GMT -8
It will be good to know what does work out best. Be careful though, because replacements that are available don't come cheap. VintageTrailerSupply has a replacement that sells for near $50, and there is a pair of these lights complete and new on ebay, asking price is $249! I agree the VTS lenses are expensive, but not $50.00. I bought some VTS reproduction "three screw" Bargman #99 lens today for $16.99 each for the lens only. The "complete lights" with a stainless back plate are in the $50 buck "each" range. The freight is what kills me!
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MarthaS
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Post by MarthaS on Mar 3, 2014 9:15:34 GMT -8
I did want to follow up on this post. BF did the methods you all suggested starting with warm water to window cleaner and finally paint stripper. He did a little at a time working with a plastic scraper to get the paint off. Almost all of the paint came off but the paint stripper dulled some of the plastic. Unfortunately when he went to screw one of the lenses back on, it cracked. So, I guess all the work hurt the integrity of the plastic. He sealed the crack and we'll leave it on for now. Thanks for your suggestions.
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Post by bigbill on Mar 3, 2014 10:10:38 GMT -8
if you have a buffing wheel you can some times buff the dull areas back to a clear shine. using a little white diamond compound. Go easy and don't get the plastic to hot.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Mar 3, 2014 10:32:02 GMT -8
Almost sure these are same ones I replaced on my Compact with VTS replicas. I have my old ones, one is cracked (thanks hubby) and the other is usable. I don't know how bad your crack is, but if you want mine, I will pass it on for shipping cost.
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MarthaS
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Post by MarthaS on Mar 3, 2014 10:39:02 GMT -8
The one that cracked is the one with the clear bottom section that lights up the plates. Is that the one you have available?
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Mar 3, 2014 10:42:11 GMT -8
No, sorry. I have the wedding cake red 99 Bargmans.
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MarthaS
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Post by MarthaS on Mar 3, 2014 10:43:15 GMT -8
No problem. Thanks anyway:)
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