Removing paint from a vinyl roof

[77MarkV]

So some idiot decides one day to paint his blue vinyl roof on a 74 Mark IV. The car is factory white so he figures it'll look better if the top is white too. Now its fading and starting to come off. Vinyl is original and still good. No cracks. Is there a way to safely remove this paint now?

[LCont72]

I have heard from trim shops, and auto dealer body shops, that the preferred method is a 50/50 blend of paint thinner and methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK) applied with a sponge. The reason for the blending is to prevent damage to the underlying vinyl, and to keep the grain of the vinyl from "melting". During a used-car reconditioning, this same mix was also used to remove dyes from leather or vinyl interiors, preparatory to a re-dyeing, for example, in a car equipped with white leather, to which a previous coat of "paint" has been applied, the first application is removed prior to re-dyeing a second time.

These chemicals are hazardous and flammable and should not be used without the proper protection for one's eyes, skin, and lungs. Moreover, any such chemical process needs to be tested first.

-Charles

[Steve K]

How long ago did the idiot paint the top? Do you know what kind of paint was used?

[77MarkV]

How long ago did the idiot paint the top? Do you know what kind of paint was used?

Unknown. I'll try and find out.

[77MarkV]

At least 9 or 10 years vinyl paint is dry and wearing through.

[jon schapiro]

Probably easier and better in the long run to have a newtop installed.

[dcm5652]

Try a low pressure pressure-washer and start where the paint is chipped and a 45 degree angle or less see if the water will get between the paint and vinyl and lift the paint off.