Stripping paint off of paper? How?

[loewermx]

Hey Giants'

First off let me just say that I am new to giant aircraft, I have been flying helis for the past couple of years and I have had this plane for about 4 years, just never flew it. I picked up this plane from a friend of mine that built it and it just hung in his shop. Here is my delima. The airframe was covered in paper, dope, paint and 2 coats of clear. (aka= heavy) I would like to strip the paint and just use some monokote graphics to save some weight. I was told that if I try and take the paper off it would probably tear the airframe up. (it seems like its "glassed" on)

Does anyone know how to strip the paint off without tearing up anything else?

Oh, here are the specs

Great Planes Extra 330L (101")
BME 76cc twin
8411's on all surfaces
Weight RTF- 27lbs.

This plane needs a facelift and some liposuction I think if I can strip it down I can get rid of the 2lbs of lead that is in the nose to balance it out.

Any thoughts? Like I said, I am new to the world of giants so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[SleepyC]

Hate to be THE guy, but sometimes its better to strip the air frame of equipment and move on.

I have tied in the past to fix up a "got it as a deal" air frame, and what ended up happening, is that I spent a ton of time, and some $$$ to have a mediocre flying airplane.

Your best bet is to get a current 33% airframe (or even a slightly used one) and slap the gear in it, and really enjoy flying.

If thats not an option, I'm sorry, I have no idea how to strip dope and paint.

[Twizlair]

Dope is a tough one. There is a product out there that will soften it but then you have to power wash it off not realistic for a balsa plane.
If you can not find an answer by thursday hit me with a pm and i will call a local full scale guru and bend his ear for you.
Another person that you might have good luck with is Dick Hanson he is a member hit him with a pm he has been around in the industry for a long time he might know of a better way.

[pitviper51]

i know when i was building freeflight models we doped the tissue covering and tryign to fix things was a pain since the dope would soak into the wood, and any attempt to pull it off usually took balsa withit.. good luck,, my guess is save your self the hassel get a newer plane or put a big hunken engine on it and fly it on the wing...
mike

[vernonf]

Dope Thinner Recommended for thinning SIG Supercoat Butyrate Dope, Lite-Coat Butyrate Dope, Flat-Coat Butyrate Dope, Sanding Sealer, and Nitrate Dope prior to application.

Mix one part Dope Thinner to two parts paint for best results when brushing.
Mix one part Dope Thinner to one part paint for best results when spraying.
Also handy for cleaning dope from tools, brushes, and spray guns.
For more information and option to buy link to:

[loewermx]

Thanks guys, I guess I have some decisions to make. I do plan on getting a bigger plane so I might just fly it like it is for right now. I am looking at that new 38% Great Planes Extra. with a DA150.

I also might keep an eye out for a used DA100 to stick on this airframe. Like was said earlier, put a big honkin motor on it and fly it.

[Temptation]

I have to agree with Sleepy. I am in the process of restoring a 40% Carden Cap 232 right now. Yes, I got a great deal as a turn key plane, but basicly refinishing and bringing it all up to modern specs is turning out to be more work than building a new plane. Also, in the end I will not be saving any money over a new plane even though I got a great deal on it. Most likely it will be very close to the cost of a new plane. Yes, I will have an awesome plane when it's all done, and nobody will beleive that it is an old plane, but I will never do this again. I will just build from new from now on. This is just my opininon. When I started the project I had no idea of what I was getting into. One thing lead to another, and another.