Cleaning up a refrigeration deck

[BrianS]

Getting ready to clean up my refrigeration system.  Down to just the compressor, evap, cond, and refrigerant tubing.  Any recommendations on cleaning up the compressor before painting.  Do you typically just clean it up, rough up the old paint a bit and repaint or do you try to strip off the old paint first.  I have access to a bead blast cabinet, but I want to avoid anything that might damage the copper tubing and prefer to minimize travel with the deck out of the machine.  Also, the existing compressor plate and condensor fan bracket were originally a pinkish rose color.  Not overly fond of it, but it looks original.  I haven't seen any pics of renovated machines that reused this color so I plan to do the plate in black and have the bracket powder coated grey to match the tub and shelving.  I know this is really just a matter of personal preference, but I was curious as to everyone else's thoughts.

[MoonDawg]

        I usually paint those the color of the compressor area they sit in, but if you are going to powdercoat the fan bracket why not do the compressor plate too?

[BrianS]

I have seen several machines with the fan bracket done in a separate color.  I like that it draws attention to lower compartment when the door is open, plus I think the bracket has a kind of art deco appeal to it.  Thought it would be nice for it to match the interior, that's the only reason I would powder coat it.  Have seen some done with a red bracket to match the machine exterior, I like that effect also.