You could use aircraft paint stripper but not put it in a bag and leave it for a short period of time and watch it to see when it starts peeling and then wash it off right away. I would use paint thinner and a superfine steel wool to start.

Are the rear drop-out faces chromed as well. I agree there are some nishiki like features about it. Nishiki used those imitation prugnat lugs on some bikes. I agree that '84-'85 makes a lot of sense.