Removing stupid interior pieces paint

[elvis240sx]

OK, when I bought my s13 the center console and plate that goes around the shifter and radio were painted. First yellow it looks like, then black, then theres this carbon fiber sticky contact paper over the whole thing. I dont know why they painted yellow on a red car, i guess a mcdonalds advertising campaign? The black looks kind of crappy though, thick and bubbly. Anyone know how i could strip the paint off without ruining the plastic? I was thinking some cheap paint thinner might work, then apply a few coats of armor all to bring the shine back?? I dont want to spend alot of money on some stupid rice boy color remover from APC or anything. Any help is greatly appreciated

[MainEvent212]

using paint thinner, and instead of leaving it for long, wipe it off quick, so it wont warp the plastic...i'm doing this to the whole interior...

my car came with a painted INTERIOR

center console, vents, DOORs!

[slow s13]

You might consider the junk yard as well, the stock pieces actully have some sort of black paint or clear coat on them and this may come off with the stripper and they might look bad but they might look just fine just a thought.

[elvis240sx]

mainevent212,

Do the interior pieces you stripped look dull now, and sun faded? Or did they come back to life and look shiney after a few coats of armor all? I im wondering if im better off with this carbon fiber wannabe stuff on the console, or if its worth it to strip the paint off for a cleaner, more stock look? I dont want my interior to look like rice!

[MainEvent212]

well the doors look really sun faded but thats cuz i used steel wool to take the paint off...no worries cuz i'm repainting the doors with a nice coat of black...and the interior pieces? they look great with a nice rub down of Pledge...lol i dont have anything better but it works!

i'm still gonna end up painting those pieces though

[elvis240sx]

OK, thanks for the info and help! I think if it gets warmer this weekend I will strip off the paint and see how it goes.

[magicmanjk808]

another way to strip paint off plastic would be to soak it in brake fluid or castrol super clean (csc) degreaser. if you use brake fluid, use dot 3 stuff. i works great. csc won't work too well if it's automotive paint, but if it's not, it will work.

[C-Kwik]

Go to your local hardware store. They sell paint remover. Works much more effectively. Check the label for usuage on plastics. Perhaps test a small drop in a place that can't be seen(back of a piece) to see if it eats through it. I've used this kid of stuff before and it works great(I used it on metals though). And do not touch the stuff with your hands or in your eyes. It causes a very sharp burning sensation. Trust me on this one.

[MainEvent212]

yeah i know that one!

it says use protective gloves and goggles for a reason

i know both ways...i still have small marks on my arms and hands and face... this was spray mind you