Wheel oxidization?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Lost In a Pit of Despair
Wheel oxidization?
I have some turbine style wheels on my '79, and the fronts have turned a reddish color. I figure its from the brake dust and just oxidization of the metal (I don't know what it is). If I unmounted the tires, would it be possible to stick the wheels into a bead blaster, and remove the oxidization?
If so, what would I want to use as far as media? I have various grit glass and aluminum oxide media.
Thanks
Jameson
If so, what would I want to use as far as media? I have various grit glass and aluminum oxide media.
Thanks
Jameson
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 57
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From: Central Indiana
I have had good luck using Eagle One's Mag Cleaner on my older wheels like the Hurricanes and Slots. You may try that first. Just make sure that it is the Mag Cleaner and your wheels aren't clear coated (I doubt they are).
Mag Cleaner
Also, it helps to scrub the wheels with a stiff bristled brush after you apply the cleaner. Just make sure to wear some chemical safe gloves. The stuff is pretty potent.
Mag Cleaner
Also, it helps to scrub the wheels with a stiff bristled brush after you apply the cleaner. Just make sure to wear some chemical safe gloves. The stuff is pretty potent.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
A guy named Gary Lewis in 80-86 made a pretty decent write-up of what he did with his own aluminum wheels:
Projects: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
Projects: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
I'm refinishing a set of Ford's aluminum “bullet hole” wheels. (Thanks, Rick!!!) These came from the factory with a clear coat that protected the polished aluminum, but over time the coating failed and corrosion set in. Most of the damage is where the center cap hits the wheel as well as well as where balance weights have been installed. My guess is that the center caps weren’t always tight against the wheel, allowing them to vibrate and cut into the coating.
It should be noted that this is a hazardous job as it requires the use of chemicals to strip the clear coat, and proper protection such as rubber gloves and safety glasses should be worn. Further, it is a dirty job as it involves sanding aluminum, which creates lots of very fine dust, so a mask would be appropriate. (Hopefully that is enough disclaimer and my son, the lawyer, is happy.)
Here’s what one of my wheels looked like before refinishing:
It should be noted that this is a hazardous job as it requires the use of chemicals to strip the clear coat, and proper protection such as rubber gloves and safety glasses should be worn. Further, it is a dirty job as it involves sanding aluminum, which creates lots of very fine dust, so a mask would be appropriate. (Hopefully that is enough disclaimer and my son, the lawyer, is happy.)
Here’s what one of my wheels looked like before refinishing:
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 57
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From: Central Indiana
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 32
From: Lost In a Pit of Despair
Do your wheels look like these? If so, then you should be fine. These older wheels are cast aluminum/alloy (like an aluminum intake) with raw, uncoated, unpolished surfaces and when they get dirty they are a pain in the **** to clean. Just make sure that they are not clear coated, polished or have any painted surfaces because the acid in this cleaner will destroy it.
So that mag cleaner should work fine?
Thanks
Jameson
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