Fox Cleaning the black paint from a steering rack

limp · Apr 11, 2021

Any secrets here to clean the black paint off a rack? I have used paint remover in the past ( never on a steering rack) but I was wondering if anyone here had some other ideas? About half the black paint has come off and I think the rest would come off fairly easy without resorting to a real caustic remover.
Any help here?

Rdub6 · Apr 11, 2021

Maybe some wire wheel attachments on a Dremel or drill.

Andrews24 · Apr 11, 2021

Rdub6 said:
Maybe some wire wheel attachments on a Dremel or drill.

I feel like I’m the world leader in wire wheel work LOL... did you see my pics in my Progress Thread of the underside of my Fox? I’ve spent so much time under there with the various size wire wheels - and I will not miss the days once I’m done

limp · Apr 11, 2021

Dremel or a wire wheel would be too harsh on the aluminum... I was thinking more like some Lacquer thinner and a Mr clean pad would take it off without any marks to the aluminum body?

Rdub6 · Apr 11, 2021

limp said:
Dremel or a wire wheel would be too harsh on the aluminum... I was thinking more like some Lacquer thinner and a Mr clean pad would take it off without any marks to the aluminum body?

That would probably work. Is the rack still in the car?

Rdub6 · Apr 11, 2021

Andrews24 said:
I feel like I’m the world leader in wire wheel work LOL... did you see my pics in my Progress Thread of the underside of my Fox? I’ve spent so much time under there with the various size wire wheels - and I will not miss the days once I’m done

The picture of your k-member inspired me to remove mine, clean and paint it. You’ve done nice work for sure.
At this stage, it was easier for me to remove it. The less I have to lay on my back on the concrete floor, the better!

limp · Apr 12, 2021

Rdub6 said:
That would probably work. Is the rack still in the car?

No its off the car. Its a 03 rack upgrade for my 83.. I am getting ready to send to turn one for rebuild.. Another out of control project.. I purchased new stainless lines for it, new bellows and the fox inner tie rods, which Turn One will install, but they do not clean up the outside or paint the housing..

Boostedpimp · Apr 12, 2021

why not polish it up and clear it

limp · Apr 12, 2021

Boostedpimp said:
why not polish it up and clear it

I could but I need to get the paint off first

Mustang5L5 · Apr 12, 2021

I used a drill with a wire brush to get the loose stuff off, scotch-brited the rest, then wiped down with Acetone and painted mine gray.

limp · Apr 12, 2021

Mustang5L5 said:
I used a drill with a wire brush to get the loose stuff off, scotch-brited the rest, then wiped down with Acetone and painted mine gray.

Did the wire brush leave marks?

Mustang5L5 · Apr 12, 2021

No. Are you planning on painting or using it natural?

You could also try a stripper like "Citristrip". Lather the rack down, wrap it in a trash bag and let it sit for a few hours. Then pressure wash the paint off.

A few ways to go about this.

limp · Apr 12, 2021

Mustang5L5 said:
No. Are you planning on painting or using it natural?

You could also try a stripper like "Citristrip". Lather the rack down, wrap it in a trash bag and let it sit for a few hours. Then pressure wash the paint off.

A few ways to go about this.

I was thinking natural.. Half the black paint is gone so it looks a bit ratty.... After reading your post, I could paint it the "cast grey" color.... Have a can of that..

Mustang5L5 · Apr 12, 2021

That's what I did with mine

7991LXnSHO · Apr 12, 2021

Airplane Stripper wins because of the name and because it works, unless California neutered it. If you are having the assembly rebuilt, then the rubber boots are not the concern I figured they were at the start of the thread. Adequate ventilation and PPE are required, but the right PPE and ventilation are required for a wire wheel.
Either way, follow the motto of Nike.

Mustang5L5 · Apr 12, 2021

Airplane stripper would do it. Just make sure you wear PPE and stand upwind. Some nasty chemicals in that stuff.

7991LXnSHO · Apr 12, 2021

Here is a list of what is out there this year.

From Citrus Gel to Heavy‑Duty, These Are the Best Paint Strippers for Every Project

Paint strippers can help you start with a clean slate and make your next paint job a lot easier. We researched the best options for any surface.

www.thespruce.com

The Klean Strip I used to use on furniture and parts like intake manifolds at least used to have a chemical in it that would make your skin feel like it was cold burning after it ate through the second layer of HD rubber gloves. The Methelene chloride vapors can kill in enclosed spaces. But it works well. I have not tried the citrus stuff yet, but another car group I’m in has demos of it working successfully.

limp · Apr 12, 2021

UPDATE:..... I took some red scotch brite and some regular old paint thinner and the paint came off pretty easy.. This is a Junkyard rack I bought a month or so ago from an 03, to go in my 83.. It had a rebuild sticker on it and was leaking fluid under the boots......
I think I will buy some of that spray citronella and give it a try on the nooks and crannies.....

limp · Apr 14, 2021

I finished up with some Klean strip that worked really well with some red scotchbrite and a toothbrush... I like the natural aluminum look with a black K member .. I did not spend any time on the lines as I purchased some new ones.. Now off to the rebuild shop with new fox inner tie rods and bellows..

Fox Cleaning the black paint from a steering rack

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

Andrews24

Active Member

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

Rdub6

So while I wait to figure out my rear end issues

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Boostedpimp

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp

From Citrus Gel to Heavy‑Duty, These Are the Best Paint Strippers for Every Project

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

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