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Old 2021.04.08, 11:45 AM   #1
Kajiki23
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Need Help Stripping/Repainting An Autoscale Body

I have an Autoscale body with factory paint and decals that I want to repaint myself. I’ve read a bunch of articles and forum posts from all over the internet regarding which is the best stripping medium for model cars. However, I can’t seem to come to a conclusion and really don’t want to ruin my $100 Autoscale body.

So, I’m looking for some advice from the Mini-Z customizing experts. Which method should I use to strip my Autoscale body?

Any advice is very much appreciated.


edit: I’ve heard that scuffing is also an option, but this body has decals so I don’t know if scuffing would still be a viable option.
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Old 2021.04.08, 03:52 PM   #2
SuperFly
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Can I ask what body it is?

Personally, I would go with a sanding route myself. Maybe start with an 800-1000, finish with a 1500-2000, prime it, sand it some more, prime it again, paint.

I know quite a few people have used different chemical treatments, like brake fluid, but I'd be concerned about making the plastic too brittle. I don't know enough about the chemistry involved, the specific type of plastic used for Autoscales, etc., plus I'd have a container of dirty fluid to dispose of.
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Old 2021.04.08, 04:49 PM   #3
Kajiki23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperFly View Post
Can I ask what body it is?

Personally, I would go with a sanding route myself. Maybe start with an 800-1000, finish with a 1500-2000, prime it, sand it some more, prime it again, paint.

I know quite a few people have used different chemical treatments, like brake fluid, but I'd be concerned about making the plastic too brittle. I don't know enough about the chemistry involved, the specific type of plastic used for Autoscales, etc., plus I'd have a container of dirty fluid to dispose of.
My thoughts and concerns exactly. Also, the body is a Toyota Soarer.
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Old 2021.04.08, 05:37 PM   #4
arch2b
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I've heard brake fluid, automatic trans fluid, etc. and so far, those have melted the plastic. I turned one Miata into a spaghettis noodle.

My concern with sanding is your also taking down any panel lines or detail if you get to rough with it.
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Old 2021.04.08, 08:26 PM   #5
Kajiki23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arch2b View Post
I've heard brake fluid, automatic trans fluid, etc. and so far, those have melted the plastic. I turned one Miata into a spaghettis noodle.

My concern with sanding is your also taking down any panel lines or detail if you get to rough with it.
I feel like as long as I can knock down the decals I should be fine, but I’ve never attempted to sand/strip decals off of a model before so I don’t know if that would even work.

There are so many options that it’s actually kind of paralyzed me into doing nothing.
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Old 2021.04.08, 08:50 PM   #6
arch2b
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that's what happens with me. I melt one car, sand down all the panel lines on another and never bother anymore. the easiest would be to just scuff the surface and repaint.

people do strip them, i just don't get a lot of clear answers on how.
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Old 2021.04.23, 02:03 PM   #7
Minizorro
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Don’t do it

I don’t mean to have no confidence in your skills, but the chances that you will invest a lot of your time and end up ruining your autoscale body are extremely high! Best bet would be sanding but it will take you a long long time to do a tidy job, if you are very patient. You will sand over some paneling (impossible not too).
just the fact that the chemicals needed are quite nasty would put me off.

Last edited by Minizorro; 2021.04.23 at 02:05 PM.
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