How do you restore a Redline that a kid painted from year's before back its original color?

[THINICE]

Context: I do a lot of thrifting and came across a Custom Redline Cougar in blue. The wheels and base look great, but the hood is missing and the body paint is almost completely covered with a brown paint job that a kid must have done from years back. Apart from stripping the car paint entirely, is it possible to remove the covered paint off without damaging too much of the Spectraflame underneath?

 

Unfortunately the car also has a makeshift bare metal racing stripe that took off both the brown enamel and blue Spectraflame underneath it running across the middle of the body, so the car is not mint otherwise. If the car is all but worthless, I can at least sell the wheels for what I paid for it (1 dollar for three cars).

 

I can post pictures in a bit.

[THINICE]

This forum uploading image system is 1000 times better than the old one. 

Edited February 22, 2020 by THINICE

[STUDEBAKER1626615441]

I would leave it as you found it. judging from the picture it is not bad at all. There is value in it keep it whole. Now if you do not collect them sell it for a restore. The car is restorable.

[THINICE]

1 minute ago, STUDEBAKER1626615441 said:

I would leave it as you found it. judging from the picture it is not bad at all. There is value in it keep it whole. Now if you do not collect them sell it for a restore. The car is restorable.

I do collect Redlines of all colors and conditions so I am kind of curious on if it's feasible for me to try myself if the task isn't difficult for a beginner. I have yet to make any real attempt in doing so since I don't want to ruin any of my cars. If the best choice is to keep it as it is or sell it to a professional restorer, then I'll probably do that. Not sure what the demand is in restorable base cars, but I have one other car in my collection completely stripped of paint and also missing a hood, but the car is in good condition otherwise.

[GHOSTWORXX]

If I found that I would restore it. The A pillar is nice and straight and a new hood can be purchased. Just my 2 cents. 

[THINICE]

14 minutes ago, GHOSTWORXX said:

If I found that I would restore it. The A pillar is nice and straight and a new hood can be purchased. Just my 2 cents. 

Any tips on removing the paint? I've got a couple other cars (including one of those police cars in your photo) that need restoration with paint removal.

[GHOSTWORXX]

I use Kwik-strip in a spray can from Walmart. It will take all the paint layers off to the metal. 

[BONES63]

If I had it I’d try goof off first it could take it down to the blue and not take it clear down to the striped state if it goes past that use the paint stripper ghost talks about. If it’s your first custom you should try drilling out some new cheap cars you don’t care about. After you feel more confident in you ability to drill it out do the redline. Oh one more thing if the hood pin mounts are busted I’d just leave it alone. It’s cool like it is.

[STUDEBAKER1626615441]

4 hours ago, THINICE said:

I do collect Redlines of all colors and conditions so I am kind of curious on if it's feasible for me to try myself if the task isn't difficult for a beginner. I have yet to make any real attempt in doing so since I don't want to ruin any of my cars. If the best choice is to keep it as it is or sell it to a professional restorer, then I'll probably do that. Not sure what the demand is in restorable base cars, but I have one other car in my collection completely stripped of paint and also missing a hood, but the car is in good condition otherwise.

google redline restorations. a lot of people drill their cars to get them a part. I have found a small flat face grinding bit and a dremel tool does a much nicer job. check out the redline shop for most of your parts. brightvision for aftermarket wheels.

[BWBYER]

Restore has my vote. Deep dish wheels though!

Edited February 23, 2020 by BWBYER