When my 240Z got painted the headlight cowls were off the car.

During the painting process the cowl bolts got a good dose of paint.

What is the best method for cleaning up the threads ?

Thanks, Jay

You could mask off the paint work and try using some medium grade steel wool. I wouldn't use anything caustic or wire brush wheels for fear of accidental damage to the paint.

BE CAREFUL

Dan

I'd use the appropriate size thread die.

I'd use the appropriate size thread die.

This.

Or, use it as an opportunity to find the appropriately sized stainless hardware.

I'd use the appropriate size thread die.

ditto

If you don't want to buy a suitable die, just run the thread through a new nut. Most of the paint should come off, if not soak it in thinners and try again. For what you are doing, it would be a lot quicker.

Or as above, change to stainless would be probably more cost effective also.