well, if we're gonna talk about removing the paint with oven cleaner, then I've got ALOT of experience with this technique.
I own a sign and graphics business, and this is what I use to remove old truck lettering.
1.) Do NOT do this in direct hot sunshine if at all possible. The sun dries the oven cleaner to the surface, and then you've got an even bigger mess. Yeah, ya do it outdoors, but just avoid the blazing sun if possible. If it IS a hot sunny day, then cut your time considerably!! (this is a feel you develop, of when to wash it off.)
2.) I ONLY use Easy-Off brand oven cleaner.
I've tried many other brands (Gad...this sounds like a commercial), but none of them work as well or efficiently as Easy-Off does.
3.) Spray it on, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, but no longer!! Then I either wipe it all off, or hose it off. NO SCRAPING!!! (you've just softened the paintjob, and you don't wanna dig into it, or through it. You just wanna take off the stuff on the outside, but leave the bottom layer of paint in tact.)
4.) Reapply and do it as many times as necessary. Give it a wipe down before reapplying a new layer of oven cleaner, as it doesn't work as well on a wet surface. (but it need not be perfectly dry either.)
btw...this stuff WILL EAT YOUR HANDS, so industrial heavy-duty thick rubber gloves is a must...and God help you if you're spraying in a brease, and it blows back into your face and eyes!! (ask me how I know this!) :s
When I'm removing old truck lettering, I actually spray a small ammount into a can, and use a disposable brush to paint the oven cleaner onto the lettering, for better control and no overspray.
OC will not hurt the glass, but it WILL eat aluminum...so if you've got any shiney aluminum, then cover it up.
5.) Last, give your rig a good bath with Ivory dishsoap. This will help neutralise the OC, and washes off any remaining dirt/residue so it doesn't dry premanently to the surface.
