Playing detective on bumpers.

[vtdeucedriver]

Anyone had good luck trying to find unit markings? Sanding or light paint stripping?

 

[319]

Yes, I have used mildly abrasive scotchbrite pads with water.

 

[swbradley1]

Mine are plain as day on the front of my first Deuce.

278th

Howitzer Maint Group



Or are you just looking to remove them?

 

[vtdeucedriver]

Looking for a good technique on finding numbers. My M54A1 was a depot rebuild in Taiwan in 1974 after having served in Vietnam. I am hoping that maybe I can find some evidence of it's time there.
The interior and eng compartment are still semi gloss and this one has very little paint. I am hoping to remove the forrestry yellow and go from there.
Using paint stripper and pending on quality of paint, with a quick apply you sometimes can soften a layer and peel it but thats hit or miss. At this point, I am going to try my luck at some wet sanding when it gets warmer.

 

[Fishtail]

Do not use stripper. You can't regulate how much it will remove at one particular area or the next. I have used 600 grit wet sandpaper and water to get hood and bumper numbers in the past. When you find a line or circle of a number, mark it with a sharpie so you don't lose it. Use direct sunlight if available, or bright shop lights.

You just need lotsa patience.




Scott

 

[vtdeucedriver]

Do not use stripper. You can't regulate how much it will remove at one particular area or the next. I have used 600 grit wet sandpaper and water to get hood and bumper numbers in the past. When you find a line or circle of a number, mark it with a sharpie so you don't lose it. Use direct sunlight if available, or bright shop lights.

You just need lotsa patience.


View attachment 415546

Scott

You actually can but like I said in my post, its hit or miss. It really depends on the type of paint verses the stripper and as soon as it really starts to bubble, wipe it away. I was working on a C-47 Dakota and we slowly put the paint stripper to it to the point where you could make out the crown and the RAF roundel on the fuselage.