Reply to "Pantera #4406"

Rene, when I stripped our paint, I used chemical "Aircraft Stripper" only up to 1/2" to the edge of all panels, then sanded the remainder off so the stripper could not worm around into panel seams. Best of both methods! Aircraft Stripper even (slowly) removes epoxy based body filler! That was 20 yrs ago and never a paint problem. Sand- or media-blasting heats up the metal on one side, which then buckles panels from uneven expansion. Then the media comes back out from hiding places during painting under air pressure to ruin the paint.

In the rear of the roof under the skin there is a foam strip that catches & holds moisture, as Larry said. The underside of all the body panels were NOT rust-proofed, so cutting that perforated area out may show other damage inside. The roof panel was seamed all around the drip rails and that may be the way moisture gets in there. Some owners cut the roof seams & drip rails away for a smoother look and if that appeals to you, this is the time to do so. Good luck!