Whats the best method to clean up your old fender tag? rust, paint layers.

[Jocigar]

I don't want to risk damaging or blemishing its authenticity.   

blasting out of question I would imagine.   thinking aircraft paint stripper in ziplock bag?

[70 Challenger Lover]

I have soaked painted things in carb cleaner and it did a great job of removing paint. Won't remove rust of course but there are gentle chemicals you can then soak it in to remove corrosion. Can't recall the brand but I have gallon of the rust remover. Takes days of soaking but it works.

[anlauto]

I agree...the aircraft stripper is a good place to start..then if it's rusty, follow with a decent rust remover....or just used a media blaster with a fine media like glass

[7E-Bodies]

No matter what, get good pics of it beforehand.

[anlauto]

No matter what, get good pics of it beforehand.

SOLID ADVICE 

[JS29]

A pencil etching wouldn't heart ether.    

[Burdar]

I bead blasted mine with no ill effects. I used glass bead.  If you're worried about it, strip the paint off with paint stripper and soak in EvapoRust.

[Jocigar]

Since I had a brake cleaner at work I used that and an old toothbrush out of curiosity.    I got most of the grease and black paint off, original burnt orange showing now, some black, some rust    not the best looking patina 

Think it adds any value to re-attach tag sporting its beat up paint and age?

thanks for tips, I'll take pictures before trying anything else.   

Need to get some Evaporust, its been mentioned a few times

[Burdar]

I personally don't mind "minor" pitting on a fender tag.  I don't like seeing crappy painted tags on a freshly painted car though.  Others might have different opinions.  My original tag isn't perfect but it still looks ok with new paint on it.

[cuda hunter]

Leave the tag on the car. 

[headejm]

I used Kleen-strip paint stripper on mine. No problems, came out nice. I then painted it using an air brush and some of my leftover paint and then clear coated it.