Refinishing a bass help

[tonello]

I have a friend who's wanting to buy this bass that he saw. It's an MIM Fender Jazz, and because it's neck is completely warped, he can get it $50. I told him that I would put a new neck on it and reset it up. He asked about also refinishing it due to the amount of cracking on the paint (I think the bass is somewhere between 8 to 10 years and was owned by a middle school band teacher where the kids have zero respect for the instruments).

I know how to finish a guitar (I've done my fair share of finishing warmoth bodies for way cheaper than warmoth), but I'm not sure about removing the paint. Would it be okay just to sand it all the way down, or should I get some paint remover as well?

Any help is appreciated, and I thank you in advance for any help provided.

 

[JohnJohn]

Re: Refinishing a bass help

IIRC those finishes are fairly tough and applied using some fairly strong components so they can get it covered as fast and cheaply as possible.

Industrial removers would probably work best but can be hard to get ahold of on your own.
Look up what it's finished with and check out various companies offerings for removers.
Some company's like 3M and BASF have online references and call centres that help you match up products for the job you want to do.

~edit~ Also check out local auto and furniture refinishing places.
Many will have access to some heavy duty chemicals and may be willing to strip it down for a fee.