hey everyone this is my first post!but not the topic I wanted to talk about. Over the
weekend my truck got mischeifed by white spray paint(darn kids)from the taillight
to the drivers side mirror and the dashboard
(duh!left the window open).Is there anything
I can fix without ruining the paintjob,
mirrors, or dashboard?. this is driving me
crazy!!.

97 white f150 4.6 shortbed

[This message has been edited by brocksie 1 (edited 11-03-1999).]

 

The first thing you can try is "Goof Off", it's a paint and glue remover, follow the instructions carefully and get if off the paint quickly; I don't think it's safe on plastics though. Other than that you might try Clay Magic to remove the paint. Good luck.

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1999 Lariat Super Cab, S.B. 5.4L, 3.55 LS
and everything but the leaky slider window.
Bright red w/ gold 2-tone, Leather Captain's Chairs
Mods: Duraliner bedliner, Bugflector II, Hide-a-hooks.
& a leeetle chrome tip on the exhaust.

 

You might want to take it to a detail shop. They could probably take it off the paint with a wheel and some polishing compound. I used lacquer thinner to remove spraypaint overspray from my first Ford pickup several years ago, but it might not be good for your clear coat. The dash is another matter. Whatever you try, test it in an inconspicuous spot before using it where it shows. Good luck.

 

There's basically two ways of removing overspray from automotive paint: with chemicals or with polishes. As a detailer for the last 8 years or so, I've removed different types of paint and other contaminants from automotive finishes, from Krylon to street stripping paint; and I've yet to ruin a paint job.
I've used Goof-Off successfully without damage to the underlying paint, it's strong stuff and it works quickly, so as I said above: BE CAREFUL.
If it's a very thin layer of spray paint you might be able to lightly polish it out, however, heavy polishing could be even more detrimental to the paint since you'll be removing part of the clearcoat as you rub.
If you're not comfortable with either of these two processes, then by all means take it to a professional.

------------------
1999 Lariat Super Cab, S.B. 5.4L, 3.55 LS
and everything but the leaky slider window.
Bright red w/ gold 2-tone, Leather Captain's Chairs
Mods: Duraliner bedliner, Bugflector II, Hide-a-hooks.
& a leeetle chrome tip on the exhaust.




[This message has been edited by Indyfan (edited 11-04-1999).]

 

Be careful if you use "Goof Off" not only will it remove the unwanted paint. It can remove the factory paint as well.

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99 F150 XLT Silver 2WD S/C 4.2 5-speed, Superchip, Flowmaster muffler // Rear door switch guards - check them out at http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/show/5031

 

Somebody posted regarding GOOF OFF stating that it would remove the truck's original paint. WATCH OUT.

The Detail Shop is a Great Idea

I bet your Comprehensive Coverage will pay for the paint removal (good Detail job), too.

Good luck.

A little "scratch removing" polish and elbow grease will probably fix the exterior. Try WD-40 on your dash or a vinyl cleaner. I've seen a plastic polish (for motorcycle windshields) that might help the dash.

 

I have used Laquor Thinner successfully to remove tar and some street striping paint that got on the lower body panels without a problem. It had the right solvent to disolve the bad stuff and this particular solvent was not compatable with the clearcoat so it had no effect on it.

The Detail Shop is a good idea, so might be a Body Shop as I'm sure they have seen this type thing before.

One thing I forgot to mention initially. Whenever you try something like this on 'plastic' items like a dashboard, always check it out in a inconspicuous spot first. Sometimes when parts are produced and happen to come out a little off-color, the manufacturer will paint them the correct color. I know that for a fact because at one time I worked for a company that made dashes, armrests & steering wheel pads for Ford, GV & Chrysler.

Good Luck



[This message has been edited by HCBPH (edited 11-04-1999).]

 

If you use lacquer thinner, use it by quickly swiping the area. Don't let it soak in! Detailing clay works really well, especially on light to medium build up. Just keep it well lubricated with the detailing spray.

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99 White Lightning, Bedrug, Tint on all glass
Sheepskin seat covers