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Post by pnance26 on Sept 2, 2019 17:50:53 GMT -8
Some 35 years ago, I knew NOTHING! Yet, I ponied up for the Protar Alfa Romeo 179c. I had seen it race in Las Vegas in 1980 and it was available. Talk about a technical kit... almost everything is done with little bitty screws. I brought it down from storage and oh, my. I knew it had yellowed but the attached photos don't show but about 50%. It looks white but it isn't! ![](https://i.imgur.com/6ELkTQa.jpg) On top of that, I must have shot the wrong clear on the paint as it crazed. I think I remember that but instead of fixing it, I moved on. So any ![](https://i.imgur.com/6m6RERL.jpg)
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Post by pnance26 on Sept 2, 2019 17:54:08 GMT -8
I managed to get all the body panels off... it was a chore. 35 years of paint melding together under all kinds of conditions. So the challenge now is to 1) strip all the panels; 2) repaint; 3) redecal. I can't remember what medium it was (enamel or acrylic) but I will take all suggestions as to how to get this kit back to bare plastic. Here's the chassis. It needs some love but it's hidden mostly. ![](https://i.imgur.com/GTiACQN.jpg)
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Post by robhart on Sept 2, 2019 18:02:09 GMT -8
All things considered, it looks like a decent kit.
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Post by pnance26 on Sept 2, 2019 19:14:59 GMT -8
All things considered, it looks like a decent kit. It's a great kit and put together with over 50 little bitty screws! Everything screws on which is kind of unsightly but... Italeri has rereleased the kit and it isn't as pricey as some... 130 Euros (whatever that is in dollars). When done in the correct livery, it is a sharp looking car. It was a dog on the track though... I've sent Italeri an email to see if they can sell me a new decal sheet. I thought Michael at IndyCals did one but I am mistaken. Thanks for looking!
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Post by starfighterace on Sept 3, 2019 9:20:42 GMT -8
I like to use "Purple Power" to strip paint. Other suggestions are Simple Green, Scalemates "Wash Away", and Testors E.L.O (Easy Lift Off, not a famous '70s rock band). I know some use Brake fluid, but that can turn some plastic to powder.
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Post by pnance26 on Sept 6, 2019 15:11:19 GMT -8
Ordered the replacement decals from Italeri today for a cost of $16.47 USD (that's 15 Euro) and it will take around 3 weeks to arrive. I am stoked! I can't wait to soak this and get it back to bare styrene so I can repaint it and give it the love it deserves! The Italian red will do nicely as at the time, Ferrari and Alfa were basically the same company both a part of Fiat, I believe. The Alfa carries all the same markings as the Ferrari with AGIP and Fiat and other sponsors. Just has the four leaf clover that Alfa used at the time.
It is amazing how the McLarens and Alfas used the same paint scheme with Marlboro livery. If the Italeri doesn't have the Marlboro marking, I may have to rob them from another kit or look for an aftermarket source. Anyone got any ideas?
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Post by pnance26 on Sept 6, 2019 15:12:52 GMT -8
I like to use "Purple Power" to strip paint. Other suggestions are Simple Green, Scalemates "Wash Away", and Testors E.L.O (Easy Lift Off, not a famous '70s rock band). I know some use Brake fluid, but that can turn some plastic to powder. Will try Simple Green first, then Purple Power, then Scalemates. I would NEVER use brake fluid as that is some carcinogen packing crap! I'd rather send it off to someone to sandblast that risk working with brake fluid!
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Post by pnance26 on Sept 12, 2019 17:28:40 GMT -8
Decals are on the way from Italy! 20 to 25 days!
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Post by arcticwolf on Sept 12, 2019 18:48:41 GMT -8
I just use plain old fashioned mineral spirits. Don't soak it, put a little bit on a paper towel or soft cloth and rub gently. Repeat until exhausted. It's a bit of work but it will take it back to like new without doing any damage, just make sure you wash it off regularly with soapy water and rinse. I've even removed decals with it that had been clear coated, but I don't know why - it would have been easier to just buy a new one. Practicing on a piece of scrap is always reccomended.
Good luck.
Paul
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Sept 12, 2019 20:35:06 GMT -8
I recommend Zep Grill and Oven Cleaner, I spray all the parts and slip them into Freezer backs, keeping the smell down and making handling and storage easier.Then after about 24 hours, remove a piece at a time scrub with a toothbrush and liquid soap until clean, repeat as necessary . If you run into Marlboro problems, I have many sizes let me know the sizes and we can work it out. Chris
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Post by pnance26 on Sept 12, 2019 21:16:39 GMT -8
I recommend Zep Grill and Oven Cleaner, I spray all the parts and slip them into Freezer backs, keeping the smell down and making handling and storage easier.Then after about 24 hours, remove a piece at a time scrub with a toothbrush and liquid soap until clean, repeat as necessary . If you run into Marlboro problems, I have many sizes let me know the sizes and we can work it out. Chris Perfect! Thanks you so much for the offer... As for Zep Oven Cleaner, is that a local brand? I've never heard of that...
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Sept 13, 2019 3:48:19 GMT -8
I get it at Lowes Home Improvement stores. and some markets also carry it. Chris
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Post by pnance26 on Sept 30, 2019 19:14:49 GMT -8
Decals arrived from Italy and a trip to the Depot resulted in some ZEB version of "Purple Power" coming home. I cannot believe how thick I applied the paint. And the decals? They stayed and stayed and stayed. But after some elbow grease was applied... ![](https://i.imgur.com/zbBs0Nn.jpg) The main body shell is soaking overnight. I have some chores to do tomorrow so I will probably get the top done tomorrow... at least half of it. BTW, the new decal sheet included all the Marlboro logos so I'm good! Thanks for the offer, Chris! I will have some left over it looks like... and the stuff to do a 179C2 maybe never! LOL!
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mike_t
Full Time Ride
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Posts: 219
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Post by mike_t on Sept 30, 2019 20:09:22 GMT -8
Is this the stuff you got at Depot, Pat? If so, no damage to the plastic so far? This particular one is concentrated. Did you use it full strength or cut it with water? I used Castrol Super Clean for years (also purple) but it seems to be getting kind of expensive around here. $25.00 for a gallon! www.homedepot.ca/product/zep-commercial-zep-industrial-purple-cleaner-3-78l/1000137442We use ZEP products in the shop. Their "Cherry Bomb" hand cleaner is great stuff!
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Post by pnance26 on Sept 30, 2019 21:24:22 GMT -8
Is this the stuff you got at Depot, Pat? If so, no damage to the plastic so far? This particular one is concentrated. Did you use it full strength or cut it with water? I used Castrol Super Clean for years (also purple) but it seems to be getting kind of expensive around here. $25.00 for a gallon! www.homedepot.ca/product/zep-commercial-zep-industrial-purple-cleaner-3-78l/1000137442We use ZEP products in the shop. Their "Cherry Bomb" hand cleaner is great stuff! I didn’t know about cutting it! I’m using it straight up... about $10 a gallon. And to be honest, I have a stress fracture in one of the pod sides but it’s salvageable. Makes me a little concerned over the stuff I left for an overnight soak! Oh well... I’m in bed, it’s cold out and I guess I’ll deal with the consequences!
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