Removing civvy paint and retaining military numbers/markings?

[DavidWymore]

Hi all. Have some threads in the deuce section, but thought a specific one for this question might be a good idea. I have what I'm pretty sure is a USMC M35A1 and want to get 2 or 3 layers of civvy paint off of it and see what the USMC numbers and markings might have been, maybe even retain them, part of the history of the truck. I've tried scraping and sanding, but have not had satisfactory results. I should have stopped sooner. I've done some searching and found reference to using stripper, which I intend to do, trying it on areas I don't expect to be marked first. If anyone has any specific brands or methods to use, or info I may have missed, I would appreciate it. Thank You!

 

[MWMULES]

Hand block sanding with fine grit paper and it will take a long while. Should be on the other side of the hood in the same place. These work good also rinse and repeat

 

[DavidWymore]

400-600? Thanks

 

[98G]

I have lightly sandblasted and removed civvy paint while retaining the carc underneath.

 

[KansasBobcat]

I used 400 wet, Was able to salvage enough to read it but enough to preserve for new paint job. The later decals are easier. I used lacquer thinner to remove covering paint which was not CARC.

 

[DavidWymore]

I have lightly sandblasted and removed civvy paint while retaining the carc underneath.

How about the letters? I understand the mil OD paint is tough, but have my doubts about the lettering...

Thanks!

 

[98G]

I was able to read what was under the civvy paint.

Now, if I held the gun on it longer the CARC was eaten away. But just a light touch and the civvy paint was gone and what was underneath remained.

I used a $20 harbor freight sandblaster, about 90psi, and just plain old sand (with respirator - no silicosis for me)

 

[m1010plowboy]

Goof Off http://www.goofoffproducts.com/ is a product I used to remove paint from 50's original enamel??? Semi-gloss Olive Drab.
Post #93 shows the shiny dash. http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?52255-G749-preservation/page10

I also used it on a data plate to remove aged over-spray and as long as it didn't stay on too long, the black paint remained even with light scrubbing.

The Goof Off seems to curdle the top paint and leave the bottom paint bonded to the surface. Timing is important.

Our difference is your 'flat' paint and a deep, porous texture so a little experimentation is needed. A quick soak and a tooth brush extraction may be required.

I'm definitely more interested in finding original paint and markings under paint than I am covering up that history. It'll be good finding other gentle removing products and methods so, great thread