painted dash wtf

So I bought my truck cause it was cheap for what it is. 2000 Chevy 2500 for a grand. Kind ugly since it was well used but mechanically its tops. Anyways the kid that had it before painted the dash and some other bits. He didn't prep at all and now its pealing and just plain looks like shit. I'm pretty sure he painted it on a beach somewhere lol. Anyone know how to go about getting the paint that did adhere off without damaging the plastic underneath?

 

You might try "O'reilly's brake cleaner on a rag. That stuff eats through paint. Be careful it doesn't melt the plastic. Also extremely flammable.

Smells great too...

 

I would check with a local car dealership and check with the used car manager to see if they use a company that specializes in doing vinyl repairs and vinyl dyeing. One company that comes to mind locally is called Fibrenew. Since they specialize in vinyl and plastic repairs they might have a suggestion as to what product you could use to remove the paint. Maybe try doing a Google search for a company in your area or you could also try checking the yellow pages under Automobile Repairs/Detailing/Interior Repairs. You might also find a suggestion from a local body shop.

Sorry I can't be of any direct help, but hopefully you are able to find an answer.

 

Paint over it.

 

I would try maybe some acetone on a rag... Some swear by a good long soak in WD40 though...

 

Thanks guys. I would paint over it if it was a last resort. I just know he didn't prep at all so the plastic is still shiny under that tacky looking sand colored paint. Large patches of it are flaking off its just a few decent sized places actually are sticking

 

I was thinking acytone.............any adverse effects I should be warry of?

 

I would just clean it really well afterwards! I know most body shop supply stores carry a spray to prep surfaces, some kinda paint prep. But really soap and water, dry with a lint free towel and paint, should be gtg IMHO unless ya wanna prime it that is.

 

PJ1 Super Cleaner. I used it on some metal parts I was trying to clean and it started to strip off the paint! It appears to be safe on plastic and rubber parts, but I would sample test it just to be sure.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. If I can t get the paint off or feel I'm risking ruining the plastic I'll just prep it properly and paint it right. Should be a little easier now that I have some ideas where to start.

 

Pictures.....PICTURES! I wanna see this project as it develops.

 

BTW. To keep the odour of acetone out of everyone's nostrils, roll up the windows and close the doors.....JK of course. You will go places without leaving home.

 

Jim Stafford, Wildwood weed. Take a trip never leave the farm. Lol classic. I will take pics as I work on it . Don't know y I am bothering considering the truck is pretty rough but it just bothers me

 

You could by one of those dash board carpet kits and call it a day. Might even spiff up the interior a bit.:smile:
John

 

From a net pic, it looks like most of the "dash" is ABS plastic. Assuming the PO has not painted the instrument panel and you just want to paint the rest, some masking will have to be done.

Most of the aromatic solvents mentioned will etch, melt of partially liquefy that ABS. With no prep the paint that is on there probably ain't all that stuck down. (Yeah I know, prepositional phrase) Scuff the spots that are stuck down with 400 grit wetNdry paper. Feel for edges with your fingertips.

Best and cheapest paint would be a rattlecan or two of Krylon Fusion.

 

After you have finished repainting, go a little further and you will never regret it:

 

Might sound strange but try Easy-Off oven cleaner.
Works on plastic model kits

 

Now I just have to ask. How the hell did you ever discover that?

 

Years ago I had a greenhouse attached to my house. The windows were actually Plexiglass. Someone had painted the trim, and the paint stuck to the Plexi. I tried everything to get that shit off. No luck.

Along comes my Grandma one day - may she rest in piece - who hardly spoke a work of English. She goes and grabs a bottle of Vinegar, puts it on a rag, and wipes the winds clear of any paint, leaving the plastic Plexiglass unharmed.

That's my long way of saying try vinegar.

 

Grandmas know some shit don't they!