I know it's probably not a very intelligent question, but... is there a way to remove an after-market top coat of paint without removing the original bottom coat? The PO of my '74 260Z painted over the original Persimmon with a "home job" red. I've been able to peel off the red paint from around the windows, and the paint underneath looks pretty good & maybe not even sanded before painting. The "new" paint job has the dreaded orange-peel appearance & it's going to have to come off anyway.

Is there any way to remove this upper coat? It's driving me nuts... aside from the fact I like Persimmon, I have red body panels on the outside, and Persimmon under the hood, inside the doors, etc.

Maybe try a high pressure water hose? Can't really think of anything else.

800 grit sandpaper, water and a massive smathering of elbow grease!

Will

Elbow grease is no problem, I've got plenty of that! As for the sanding... any opinions on using an orbital sander for at least part of the operation?

Stright ans. you will need to sand the whole car down and repaint. There is no way on God's green earth , that you will be able to remove the top coat with out destroying the origional top coat. From what you said about pealing . All the top coat must be removed no doubt about it. Sorry ! Not all the origional paint will necessarly need to be removed but it cannot be saved as a finish. If you like the orange then repaint the car the color of the engine bay. This will save a hell of a lot of work. All the best . gary

I agree completely with beandip. Sand the car down completely and paint it. I'll bet the peeling around the windows is from years of silicone rubber dressing. Make sure you get a good surface prep in those areas. Now is the perfect time to replace the rubber, too.

I've been able to peel off the red paint from around the windows, and the paint underneath looks pretty good & maybe not even sanded before painting.

Try the high pressure water. I've seen it work and it's the cheapest/easiest way. Don't bother using one of those "car wash" or electric power washers. Those suck 800-1500 psi max. You want to use a gas operated 2500 psi power washer! Start where the paint is peeling and watch it go.