In my 300E I used KleenStrip spray and a plastic putty knife to help it along. Took about 3 times to get it all off. If you want it to look really nice, use some wood conditioner and some sanding sealer (both by Minwax) and then finish it with the Spar Urethane Marine to save it from the UV rays. Mine came out nice from about five feet away, a little bumpy on the final coats.

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1992 400E current
1988 300E sold
1973 280C totalled
1973 280SEL never got it running
1971 250C my first love but rusted out