sandblasting stock wheels

limerence · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:15 pm Post subject: sandblasting stock wheels

hey guys,

i got some wheels at a junkyard that i wanted to restore. i started sandblasting for the first time used a wheel as my guinea pig. it took me an hour to do each side of the wheel. didnt think it would take that long. i am thinking about either painting or powdercoating it. my question is, for you guys that restore these rims and powdercoat, do you sandblast the part of the wheel underneath the tire as well? trying to avoid additional work if possible.

thanks,
john
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69 Squareback
69.5 Ghia Convertible

aircooled356 · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:33 pm Post subject:

Blast the entire rim. It should not take more than 15 min per wheel max. What type of blaster are you using?
What type of media?
How large is your compressor?
Sandblasting uses alot of air so if your compressor is not up to the task, you'll be waiting for it to catch up.

limerence · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:56 pm Post subject:

skat blaster. its at a shop so it has enough air.

i wonder if i am holding the nozzle too close or if i should hold it further away to hopefully have a wider stroke. but wow... 15 mins for the whole wheel? that is fast. not sure of the media since i use whatever is in there, looks like reddish sand though.
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69 Squareback
69.5 Ghia Convertible

Mike Fisher · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:15 am Post subject:

Sandblasting can take hours! I have never needed to sand blast the steel hidden/protected by the tire since it is usually much better than the front or back.
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66 sunroof,67,71,71,71 AT,72,72 AT Parts
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aircooled356 · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:24 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you don't have a choice of media so it'll take as long as needed.
I use a product called "Black Magic" that I purchase from Tractor Supply.
It's a very hard media with sharp edges...perfect for rust and thick metal.
Leaves a very rough texture...perfect for powdercoating but maybe a bit rough for paint. I stripped and powder coated most of my front suspension components at home.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

I plan on doing my stock rims soon. Just remember that any powdercoated items will see temps of 400 degrees F.
That means all paint will need to be removed or it will smoke! Shocked

limerence · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:15 am Post subject:

nice...

i think i might just got the painted route for now. since if i dont like it, i can always powdercoat later. where as it would be really hard to do the other way around.

now to choose the right red paint. duplicolor? rustoleum?
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69 Squareback
69.5 Ghia Convertible

swhitcomb · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 8:14 pm Post subject:

chrisflstf · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 10:30 pm Post subject:

I've sandblasted wheels before, but after could never get all the sand out between the center of the wheel and the outer hoop, where they are joined. The sand seems to get wedged in there

beetlejooz · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 8:18 pm Post subject:

AH yes - have blasted one set, had them thermal arc zinc sprayed and primed, in the process of paint now. Blast the whole rim! And yes it does get stuck between the centre section and the out rim - its a BITCH !
Just gotta chip away at them little suckers before you prime!
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'63 Beetle - daily driver = (O\_I_/O)

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