Removing Clear coat without damaging paint, is it possible?

[CrJdMc]

So i have a 1987 325is, the previous owner sprayed it with clear coat, and apparently didnt prep it to well, and its flaking off, is there a way to get the clear off with out ruining the base? i am looking for a chemical i am assuming? would lacquer thinner do it? i am not sure, i just want the car to look clean, and not liek an old crusty/ shabby P.O.S . thanks a lot guys!
umm, this is the best pic i have.

[bmw325csi]

Nope. Either your gonna sand it down with wet/dry sandpaper or your gonna use a stripper like "aircraft stripper". Thinner wont do shit.

[gath]

sanding wet/dry is the best way to go because aircraft stripper is going to get your paint too.

[Bimmerguy91]

Wet sanding and then buffing is the only way to try and salvage any chemical will ruin it

[Vivek]

Wet sand it off. 1000 grit should do it without damaging the paint, but could take a while depending on how thick it is. You basically need to consider how much you're willing to risk damaging the color coat vs. how much time you want to spend sanding. If you get a power sander you could probably find a middle ground, but you'll have to play around yourself and see what works best. All paint is different, especially if it's been resprayed.

[CrJdMc]

Thansk alot for the help guys! The car has not been resprayed, its jsut been clear coated, ill deffenetly try to wet sand it! thanks alot!

[Vivek]

Well, same thing basically since we're working with the clear coat. Although the originally single-stage basecoat will work to your advantage since it'll be slightly more durable (thicker and harder to sand through) and also smoother than the color coat of two stage pain.

[Skunkworks]

wet sand it untill you get color 1500-2000 grit. everything that you can reach and have the clear re sprayed... stay away from chemicals.

also change your water in your bucket often...

[E30_Pare]

Hit it with 600 grit. Wet sand should look clear if the color changes while sanding you've paint & have gone to far.

[Skunkworks]

Hit it with 600 grit. Wet sand should look clear if the color changes while sanding you've paint & have gone to far.

600 will be to agressive, 800-1k if you are brave.

if you hit paint with 600 it will be too late and will leave scratches beneath the clearcoat.

[E30_Pare]

This is true. Just have to be careful.

[CrJdMc]

ill go buy 800,1000, 1200, 1500, then 2000 to finish off haha, the progress will be in my build thread ;)

[CrJdMc]

would you hand sand it or get a sanding block to put the paper on?

[Bimmerguy91]

Put it on a sanding block. 800 may be a little aggressive I would be careful. Start off with a lighter grit and go to a heavier one if needed. If you start with 800 and its too much the damage is already done.

[CrJdMc]

Ok, ill go 1000 then?