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Best method to strip Simpsons LAI control panel?


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Hi guys,

 

I am currently restoring a LAI Simpsons cab & was wondering the best way to strip the CP?

I removed a clear factory mylar, The artwork seems to be screen printed onto the metal CP.

I tried sanding it but it was tough going & I fear it would clog up my sander.

Citrus paint stripper doesn't do much to it either.

 

Any ideas?

 

Michael.

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Should be just a mylar stuck to the metal plate. Heat it up with a hairdryer and it should allow you to get it started. Once you have a fair bit to grab hold of just continue peeling it off. Of coarse you need all the joysticks and buttons removed first.

 

To re-apply the new mylar, one drop of detergent in a small spray bottle, no more and spray it on the metal. Take backing off mylar and lay in place. The detergent will allow you to center it for about 1 hour only so plenty of time to get it right.

 

Let it stick and then stanley knife a cross in each hole. Grab a rat tail round file, a course one, and lightly file to the metal edge of the hole. This will give you a prefect cut and take about 30 seconds per hole.

 

This is the exact same procedure we were doing for years mainly doing conversions.

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Thanks for your reply.

 

The metal CP definitely has the artwork printed directly to it, Hopefully this pic shows what I'm talking about

 

https://www.aussiearcade.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=150805

 

It's not standard LAI then. It didn't matter if you bought the machine off them ie, a ready made Simpsons LAI cab or you bought the kit version of the Simpsons that come as a control panel mylar, cabinet mylars, header panel and board, nothing was painted. It was all printed on 3M brand mylar.

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The art looks like it has been left behind in the glue once the outer layer of the sticker has been peeled off.

 

Sent from my SM-G973F using Aussie Arcade mobile app

 

That seems to be it. Acetone does work somewhat but it's tough going. Any ideas on another stronger solvent?

It is a LAI CP for sure also

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]150806[/ATTACH]

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I used vinegar once overnight all glue disolved to jelly like

 

Paint stripper will make it to like jelly but I'm thinking the problem is the mylar has de-laminated so nothing is really going to get through it to melt the adhesive.

The other issue with any solvent is the mess. Did you try heat as in a heatgun or hairdryer?. That was how we did get adhesive off along with a scrapper.

Again, pretty messy but it will come off. Other than that I think you will be sanding. I wouldn't bother with a wire wheel, I'd just hit it with a sanding pad attachment in a drill with 40 grit sand paper. Not much can handle 40 grit for long.

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Paint stripper will make it to like jelly but I'm thinking the problem is the mylar has de-laminated so nothing is really going to get through it to melt the adhesive.

The other issue with any solvent is the mess. Did you try heat as in a heatgun or hairdryer?. That was how we did get adhesive off along with a scrapper.

Again, pretty messy but it will come off. Other than that I think you will be sanding. I wouldn't bother with a wire wheel, I'd just hit it with a sanding pad attachment in a drill with 40 grit sand paper. Not much can handle 40 grit for long.

 

I tried sanding it the other day but I was worried about my festool sander, It's a sticky dust so I stopped.

I'll try the discussed methods & deal with the mess I guess. I'll let you know how I go

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Go to a powdercoator ask them to bake it for you in the kiln... it will burn all the glue off then powder coat the pannel black apply new overlay cost u $5 to burn it off I’ve done it multiple times don’t waste your time
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  • 1 month later...
Go to a powdercoator ask them to bake it for you in the kiln... it will burn all the glue off then powder coat the pannel black apply new overlay cost u $5 to burn it off I’ve done it multiple times don’t waste your time

 

I took the panel to a local powder coater as recommended to burn it off. Left it with the guy for a week.

Gives me the panel back saying it did nothing to it. I have my doubts he even tried & couldn't be bothered.

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  • 7 months later...

Stumbled upon my old post here, I ended up using about a litre of acetone with a stiff wire brush & steel wool to remove most of the artwork.

Used a citrus paint stripper to get the last of it then scraped off the remaining artwork. Messy AF job

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I've done quite a few LAI Cabinets, mainly TMNT, SF, Simpsons and a few NBA Jams & MK and what you are describing is typical of the original art. The LAI adhesive is a pain to remove and often leaves art residue.

 

To remove the adhesive, I'll usually use a n angle grinder with a twisted wire wheel (they are more aggressive than a straight wire wheel), and then after I've removed the bulk of the residue (usually after about 10 mins) I'll switch to the orbital sander with an 80- grit pad to get the rest.

 

I've done this at least 2 dozen times with great success.

 

 

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