removing paint from aluminum T-top

[TikiDoc]

I'm not sure if this is better suited for this section or paints and topsides, etc., but I'll start here.  I am looking to reinstall my t-top on my 22-2.  The previous owner had a very shoddy black paint job on it.  Probably rattle can.  Underneath appears to be polished aluminum.  It is a nice top, with heavy construction, rocket launchers and an electronics box.  And it is custom fit to my console, so I want to reuse it.  My question is what kind of removal technique.  I think something mechanical would be very laborious, so I'm thinking chemical stripper of some kind.  I might powder coat it, but I would really like to leave open the option of polished aluminum.  I've read mixed opinions of stripping aluminum.  It does not appear as if there was much in the way of prep, so I think the paint might come off relatively easily, but I mostly don't want to damage the surface.  Ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Blake

[wingtime]

Aircraft paint stripper is the way to go.  There is also a new citrus based aircraft stripper that also is reported to work good.  Either way they are designed to strip paint off of aluminum aircraft so it should be safe on your T-top.  Also your T-top SHOULD be made from marine anodized aluminum so the stripper should have no ill effects on that compared to bare aluminum. 

If you plan on having it powder coated it would HAVE to be media blasted. If not the powder coat will peel right off.  Make sure you find a powder coating shop that knows how to do marine powder coat. The should use a marine powder primer coat that the apply and then put in the oven just to soften it a bit and get it to flow out some... then they put on the marine color topcoat on right away while is is soft and then back into the oven.

[TikiDoc]

Thanks wingtime.  I like the idea of the citrus based product because no matter how conscientious I am to try to prevent it, some of the runoff will eventually end up in my backyard.  Which is Galveston bay.  Any idea while I can source it?

[CLM65]

If the citrus stuff doesn't work for you, try this stuff:

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/140736099792-0-1/s-l1000.jpg

I just repainted my aluminum Garelick ladder last weekend.  Removed most of the paint with a wire wheel, but had trouble with the paint in the grooves (and there are a lot of grooves).  Had the Klean Strip stuff in the garage, and even though it says it is for fiberglass, I gave it a shot.  Worked great!  Here are some before and after shots: