So I need to remove the layers of paint from the hood scoop on my new-to-me GT hood. The scoop insert itself is plastic and that bolts to the underside of the hood. I am nervous about sanding it too much and making low spots/divots. Chemicals are fine but I don't want to disolve the plastic. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The paint that is on it is in poor shape. Looks like it has been painted over the stock base a time or two. The feel of the insert suggests that it is a cast resin but I am not familiar with those materials. I am concerned that if I sand it I could remove too much and have low spots that would be hard to fix.
As you don't know the plastic, chemical stripping is not an option. The best option is to sand it down to the primer. Use a flexible block, like this http://www.eastwood.com/sanding-blocks-flexible-set-3.html , pay equal attention to the entire surface, and stop when you see the primer. Doing this will make the surface smoother than original, so don't expect to see an even coloring of the surface when finishes. Scuff the entire thing with 100 grit, then work it with 175 until you are cutting all the way through the first layer of paint. If you see primer at that point take the scratches out with 200 or 250 then prime it. Use a catalyzing primer that matches the paint you are going to use then paint it right away. If not taken outside you can get away waiting up to a couple of weeks before painting it, but otherwise you would need to sand and prime again or risk improper paint adhesion.
Some paints will come off with brake fluid, and I don't think it'll attack plastic. I'd try a bit on a spot on the underside of the scoop and see what happens.
Jeff what year gt hood/scoop are you talking about factory 68/9 and 70/1 should be fiberglass 72 was pot metal
Right, the cowl vent grill is pot metal. I will have a look to see what will remove paint from fiberglass without turning it all into goo. Hand sanding might be less invasive, so maybe I'll a little test patch on the back and see what works best.
I mean the whole Hood Scoop assembly is Pot metal on mine. I do have a fiberglass one also that I bought as a spare. If you need another one let me know.
Now I am confused. I am guilty of not checking and thinking that the scoop insert would be plastic. Might be smart if I checked. Stay tuned.
Jeff, All of the 70-71 hood scoops I have seen have a pot metal Chrome grill insert. The Scoop itself can be either plastic or pot metal. Here is a pic of the Chrome insert and the plastic Scoop part #.
Then we agree. I went out and scratched a corner on mine and it is a white-ish plastic. I do have the little grills and they are pot metal. I even have the sheet metal block off plates for the openings. Mine has the part number like yours, but I did not write it down yet and check for a match. Thanks!
I have not seen a pot metal 70/71 only the Fiberglass ones like the 69 70 mustang bolt on hood scoops it dose not look like mat type fiberglass parts its more of a powder fiberglass resin molded or casted part
