Modern Vespa

Gents,

I just acquired a 1980 Honda NC50 (I know wrong forum). It's 100% complete and mostly original, except someone in the past 40 years decided that they didn't like the Mellow Yellow OEM paint and sprayed it with what looks like rattle can high temp BBQ black. So my question is: What is the most effective/least intrusive way to remove the respray without harming the original finish below? Oh, some parts are plastic too.

TIA.

Sometimes rattle can paint will wipe off with acetone, but you can try different solvents to see what works. On my VBB, I used paint stripper to remove rattle can but I had to be careful not to leave it on too long. Graffiti remover may also work. I go from mild to harsh to see what works.

Acetone and many cotton pads plus a ton of elbow grease and patience. It will come off but it takes time. Take breaks as well.

I did a few test sample areas on the frame with the following, in the order of effectiveness after of 15 minute sit then wipe. All except the wd40 lifted the spray paint.

1. Methylene Chloride (removed the spray paint, the oem paint and the primer!)
2. Acetone (lots of rubbing and rewetting)
3. Goof off (meh)
4. WD40 (no results)

Haven't tried a plastic part yet. Going to start with the WD40. Everything else scares me here.

Sometimes plain old gasoline will work, but do it outside.

Acetone.
Acetone is extremely volatile, so it's not a spray and wait method.
Set up a fan so you can breathe.

Not sure about plastic, but rattle can over paint is acetone and lots of patience.

*You can dumb acetone down and retard evaporation somewhat by adding a small amount of water to it.

I have also used fine steel wool and acetone to get to original paint. It will make the original paint dull, but it can be buffed out. Just go slow.

lacquer thinner works faster than acetone, but it is also a bit more harsh on the base color. That being said, i've never had any issues using it.