Need advice on cleaning engine bay plastic.

The engine is out getting rebuilt and I stripped the front frame to bare metal to repaint. Now the only problen is the inner fender wells and fire wall. They have some rust stains and anti freeze stains and will look terrible once the frame is painted and the engine is detailed. I was thinking of trying 1500# wet dry paper, anyone have any other ideas?
Thanks,
Matt

You might try starting with some 400 grit and work your way up to the 1500, it would probably be a lot less work. It just takes a lot of time to get in to all the little areas. Taking out all the wiring, wiper transmission, brake booster, and vacuum lines will help it go a little better.

I'm doing this now. Lots of work. Totally agree, remove everything that you can before you begin and be preparted to get tired of sanding.

As far as it comes to dirt and grease I bought one of those hand held steam cleaners for $40 and it does a great job at removing dirt and grease.

I should have this job completed by end of next week.

Its been a three week process so far.

Thanks Guys! I had another guy suggest that I try soaking it with GUNK engine cleaner and letting it soak. Then, wipe it down with laquer thinner. I tried it first since sanding is such a pain, surprisingly it worked great.

Matt

TO CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE PLASTIC COOLANT OR WINDSHIELD WASH RESORVOIR: REMOVE THEM, PUT IN SOME PEBBLES/ROCKS, ADD SOME CLEANING SOLUTION AND SHAKE WELL. DON'T FORGET TO RINSE THEM WELL BEFORE PUTTING THEM BACK IN.
YOU'LL BE AMAZED WITH THE RESULTS!!

And don't forget to remove the pebbles! They weren't original equipment

I'd rather soak in a tub of GUNK that sand any day.