'66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

[Don Z.]

I have searched this forum and the archives and not found exactly what I'm looking for. There are several references to removing paint from seat backs but no mention of how to do it or what products to use.
Probably 10-12 years ago I painted my seatbacks with Krylon 1613. I am pretty sure I did not use dye. I was a newby with my Corvette and Krylon was my friend!!! Now I'm re-doing numerious things and I would like to re-do my seat backs. I guess they either vinyl or plastic.
My seatbacks are original, in nice condition but you see very little texture but it is there just covered with paint.
Suggestions on what products to use or how do I remove the paint. Will paint strippers, ie:Spra-Strip or others ruin the backs? I would assume that lacquer thinner is to harsh.
Your help appreciated.

[Russ S.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

I have used laquer thinner with no problems but it takes awhile. I am sure it will make a difference depending on what type of paibt is on them and also how long it has been there.

[Jeff S.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

I would try one of the aerosol gasket remover products. NAPA used to carry their brand, but I believe they've gone to a paste stuff that's more like paint remover. The industrial supply catalogs and online sources (Graingers, McM-Carr, Fastenal, etc) would be a good place to start. Not sure about FLAPS anymore, now that NAPA has eliminated the rattle can. It is quite gentile and easy to use & the caustic characteristic fades quickly in just a few minutes.

[Michael G.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

I have used laquer thinner with no problems but it takes awhile. I am sure it will make a difference depending on what type of paibt is on them and also how long it has been there.

Lacquer thinner will work.

[Don Z.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

Are the seatbacks actually vinyl or plastic? OR are we talking one in the same?
Won't lacquer thinner discolor it or if too much cause it to get soft?

[Bill H.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

Interesting thread, I wondered if soda blasting would work, just went into the shop and tried it. Doesn't work. Tried it on my 67 grained E-brake cover that needs replaced. It took the grain right off even when reducing the pressure to 50 psi.
Plastic media might work at low pressure.

[Russ S.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

Are the seatbacks actually vinyl or plastic? OR are we talking one in the same?
Won't lacquer thinner discolor it or if too much cause it to get soft?

I don't know which they would be considered-vinyal or plastic. I used the laquer on original seat backs with no problems but try it on the back side first.

[Scott O.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

I used Citrus Strip (easily available) on the rear surround by rear window on my 78. Citrus Strip does not have a strong smell and really works. But I always recommend trying it on a small area first.
Happy New Years, Scott

[Don Z.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

Scott, Is the Citrus Strip in a plastic bottle and is orange?
I think I have seen it. I'll look in some stores after the New Year and see what the label says or call their customer service.

So far in looking into this I have seen things to use such as brake fluid, easy-off oven cleaner, peel-away( what ever that is) and numerious others that I did not even write down.
I guess I will try the lacquer thinner on a cloth on the rear and see how it reacts to the plastic/vinyl, then look into the Citrus Strip.
Thanks to everyone for their ideas.
Any other ideas are welcome

[Scott O.]

Re: '66 Seat Back Refinishing Question

Hi, Don
Yes it is, you should be able to find it. I bought mine at Walmart
Good luck, Scott