Electra Park Avenue V8-307 5.0L (1983)
Paint: Technical Service Bulletins
Paint - Stripping
Model Year 1983
Bulletin No. 83-189
File in Group Body
Number 29
Date Oct. '83
SUBJECT:
PAINT STRIPPING
MODELS AFFECTED: ALL GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES
The corrosion protection provided by the factory metal preparation and primer cannot be duplicated in a body shop and therefore, the finish should not
be stripped down to bare metal unless absolutely necessary. This is particularly true if the primer was applied by electrodeposition (ELPO), which
greatly enhances the corrosion resistance of the vehicle.
Only strip the areas that require stripping. If only part of the roof needs to be stripped, then strip only that part of the roof, not the whole vehicle.
Some of the conditions that require stripping down to bare metal are:
1)
rust
2)
body work
3)
cracked primer
The following are conditions that require only the topcoat to be stripped leaving the factory primer intact:
1)
cracked topcoat
2)
peeling paint
3)
excessive film build-up
Checking the Condition of the Primer
If you are not sure if only the topcoat or the complete finish needs to be stripped, then use lacquer removing solvent to remove the lacquer topcoat from a
small area. Clean this area with a rag soaked in a slow reducer. Dry the area and examine it with a magnifying glass. If cracks or pinholes are present in
the primer, then strip only the defective areas to bare metal, otherwise only strip the lacquer topcoat.
Stripping the Color Topcoat
All Buicks are finished in acrylic lacquer with the exception of 1982 and 1983 Centurys built at Oklahoma City which are finished in acrylic enamel. To
remove a lacquer topcoat without disturbing the factory primer, use a lacquer removing solvent (feather edger) or an acrylic lacquer paint remover such
as Ditzler's DK525 or equivalent.
I.
Lacquer Removing Solvent (Feather Edger)
Soak a rag with the solvent and rub the finish until all the topcoat color is removed. Have many rags on hand, keep cloths wet with solvent and turn
over frequently to aid in removing finish.
II. Lacquer Paint Remover (i.e. Ditzler's DX525)
A lacquer paint remover will strip lacquer and air dry enamel finishes but will not touch factory baked enamels and primers.
1.
Wear rubber gloves and protective glasses and use in a well ventilated area.
2.
Double mask all areas to be protected. Do not allow stripper to come in contact with fiberglass, urethane or plastic parts.
3.
Brush on one heavy coat of stripper and allow to stand for about 15 minutes.
4.
Using a rubber squeegee, simply wipe the old finish off.
5.
Remove any remaining residue with lacquer solvent. (Do not use water to wash off since DX525 is not water soluble).
Stripping to Metal
I.
Mechanical Method