Removing Paint

[Soldner]

Well i've got my '49 Cub down as far as i want to go, now the main question is should I sandblast? use a wire wheel on a grinder? or any other suggestions. If i sandblast what is a good PSI for blasting, and what is a good abrasive?!

[Bigdog]

Sandblasting is OK for individual parts but I wouldn't do the whole tractor. Either oven cleaner or wirebrushing works pretty well.

[Bill V in Md]

Bigdog is right on target. Sandblasting is good for pieces that have been removed such as rims, fenders, hood, floor, seat, wheel centers and front axles. I use sand that is sized specifically for blasting purposes. Play sand is too large, and will clog the nozzles, unless you run it through a sieve.

For the balance of the tractor, I think you will find a combination of techniques work best. On the transmission and final drives (or anything with seals) I apply an oven cleaner, followed by a power wash to remove grease and dirt. Then I will use either a knotted cup brush on an angle grinder to remove the remaining paint, or I will spray something called aircraft cleaner, followed by a second power wash. Be careful and wear gloves while using powerful caustic cleaners/strippers.

For the little pieces, I will either soak in carburator cleaner or use a high speed sander. Obviously, this is not the quickest system of paint preparation, but speed is not a priority with me. Thankfully, the tractor is not used for farming. On the other hand, I will be shovelling snow this year, instead of plowing.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I'll agree, don't sand b;ast anything assembled, the dust and grit go places they shouldn't. Walmart sells a paint stirpper in the pint department called Dad's that works good. Also, many auto parts stores sell paint stripper.

[Soldner]

Thanks guys, Yeah i sandblasted when i did my 129 Cub Cadet last summer. I actually didn't blast much but some small stuff, and this time around i'm going to try doing Electrolysis as much as possible. So oven cleaner, and grinding it is then. I've actually grinded alittle away already, but i will definaitely go and buy some oven cleaner (paint stripper) and have at it.
Well for my tractor, farming is what its going to be used for. My g/f and her family own a farm, and the cub was used for years to cut hay and other things on the farm. So we have a few of the implements and we plan to use it to plow our pumpkin patches, and other gardens, and probably any other work around the farm.

[Brent]

I used a small angle grinder with a heavy strand twisted wire wheel. It worked well. Took everything down to bare metal. Wasn't as messy as paint remover and I think it was quicker. Correction, I didn't use one wheel I think I went through about three. They're not cheep, about $10.00 each. I also used a Harbor Freight sand blaster to get at the hard to get at places. It worked well down to about 60 psi.

[Jim Becker]

Keep in mind that any of the methods mentioned can quickly ruin aluminum. Protect your serial tag and electrical tags when you are working near them. Or better yet, remove them and reinstall later.

[Eugene]

If there is a furniture stripping shop in your area they may strip the paint from automotive parts. They sometimes will dip the automotive parts just before they empty their stripping tanks. The parts need to be clean - degreased. They also have a preservative/sealent used on freshly stripped metal parts.

[Buzzard Wing]

Since I am just a couple of steps ahead of you I think I can give some guidance.
I fully agree with everyone about sandblasting... and it is just tough to do besides.
Oven cleaner is THE BEST for caked on grease/oil etc. It does get a bit of the paint sometimes.
The knotted brush on an angle grinder is the best for castings. I also have had good luck with the 'paint stripper' disc (3M) on a drill for tighter spots. Works for rust too.
Aircraft remover works pretty well on sheet metal, suprisingly better than the knotted brush. Wear a respirator, it is pretty tough stuff.
I love electrolisis, especially since I got a higher powered charger at an auction. It works great for rust and for paint around rusted areas but will not take all the paint off.

I just do a bit at a time and prime it when I am done for the day. Slowly but surely it is looking pretty good....

Another good idea is to take photos with a digital camera. It can come in handy when you go to put it back together (months later) and lets you see what a good job you are doing later on.