Removing Paint From Radiator

[Al Corelli]

I'm going to be repairing a leak or two on the upper tank of my radiator (coolant, not oil).
Do any of you have an idea how I can remove the paint from the areas I'm working on?
I don't want to remove the inspection marks on the brackets if at all possible.
Leaning towards chemical stripping, but want to know what you all have tried.
Thanks.

[ziggystardust]

I used paint stripper, but don't leave it on too long.

Z

[didge]

And always have a bucket of water by your side with a rag or sponge on it so you can scrub it off your skin should you get any on it.

[wayne]

I have used paint stripper but recently tried soda blasting. While this removes the paint from even the delicate fins without damaging them, it did leave a slightly "peppered" finish on the upper tank. Looks fine painted but not perfect, you'd have to hand sand it to get back the smooth finish.

Unless you want to remove paint from all the fins as well, go the paint stripper.

Wayne