[harleyjj]

I would stay away from oven cleaner!!! It will strip all the paint off!

I have gently wet sanded with very fine sandpaper to remove an upper layer of paint before just go really light and slow. may take a long time but will lessen the risk of damaging the underlying paint with harsh chemicals. just remember that the decals on those old Johnson outboards are water transfer decals and are extermely fragile