Aluminum night vision top box questions

[Gonzoso]

So I got one of these aluminum night vision boxes for free.
http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/13207.html

I have a 2012 KLR 650. I want to mount it on the back. I pretty much know what I'm going to do for the mounting but the damn thing is an ugly od green and doesn't match my bike at all. I know it's just a KLR but does anyone have any advice on how to get the paint off it? I put acetone on it and then tried to scrape it off, nothing. Then I hit it with a wire wheel on a drill and it just burned the stuff and didn't get down to the metal. I even tried heating it with a propane torch a little and it was completely ineffective.

Any advice on how to strip this box? I think it would look good as bare aluminum. Or would it be easier to sand it a little and paint it?

Any other words of wisdom or suggestions on using this as a top box?

[C-Stain]

A KLR owner with a free aluminum box..must resist ironic comments......

Acutally, a can of Gasket Remover would probably help. I used the stuff on my Mermite Cans (imagine that...a V-Strom owner with next to free aluminum cans...insert ironic comment) and it worked great. You just have to let it set, wear gloves and do it in a well ventilated area. You WILL get stoned if you don't...

After that, some steel wool, scotch brite pads or other light abrasives should finish it up.

[Maggot12]

Paint the KLR to match the case...

[steve_k]

Originally Posted by maggot12

paint the klr to match the case...

+1.... Or kick it over.

Post pics!

[Lomax]

The finish on military boxes is really tough stuff. I would suggest sanding it to rough it up and then to paint it. Raw Aluminum will also make anything you put in it black with oxide. Just my humble opinion.

Marc

[squish]

I'd just paint the boxes a bright silver, same effect as raw alum but with way more durability mush less work and no black smudges from aluminum oxide.

[bomber60015]

You will never be happy with whatever approach you take . . ..send the box to me (you pay the postage, since I'm doing you a favor) . . . . my tomato soup cut 50% with milk red klr will look classy with a scratched up OD case on it . . . . .

You're welcome.

;-}

[jprovence]

I'm pretty sure someone would take those cases day to day. Way too many latches and undo just to get inside. the latches and boxes have been beaten to hell. And buying online, It looks like you don't get to pick a good one. The latches like to pratically freeze up.

[Unstable Rider]

Are we going to see pics of the end result here or whut?

I sit awake at night worrying about similar quests of the KLR realm.

You could try automotive/aircraft stripper.

Or just go visit a stripper, and forget the box.



I mean the other box