Need Advice on Repainting Wheels (Rattlecan)

blacter

I'd like to repaint the wheels on my '67 bug, but am not ready to invest in media blasting and an "A" quality professional paint job. Given enough time and effort on my part, is it possible to get a decent result using sanding and rattlecan paints? I'd appreciate advice on the best techniques and products I can use. Thanks, guys.

CPRcubed · Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 12:05 pm Post subject:

The stocl wheels on my '70 were really rusty, so bad that they were leaking around the tire beads (all of them). After spending the time to wire brush one, I finally just sandblasted them (fully). The wire brushing was definitely not doing as good a job as the blasting. I then used the silver POR-15 on the "inner" (between the tire beads) surfaces and primer/silver Plasti-cote wheel paint (rattlecan) on the outer sufaces. Came out pretty decent (they don't leak anymore!). Cheers!
_________________
1970 Bug, Mostly Stock & Rusted for now, 1984 VW Rabbit Convertible, 1994 Ford F350 CrewCab DRW 7.3L PSD

HomespunKustom · Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 12:44 pm Post subject:

sanding wheels is a pain. I would recommend any type of paint stripper, aircraft remover, etc. Then thoroughly clean the wheels. When washing off the stripper use a wire brush (can help get rid of excess residue). Once cleaned, lay down some primer (couple coats) and then paint them whatever color you want. If you rush the prep, the end result will show it. Take your time.
_________________
Before your criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them you're a mile away and you have their shoes!

'68 type 1 Kit

I am Spiderman. (part deux)

TimGud · Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 4:41 pm Post subject:

Wolfsburg West sells the correct color in a rattle can.

regalasr · Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 5:39 pm Post subject:

You can try cleaning up the rust with phosphoric acid (concrete etch) available at any True Value hardware store cheap. Do a search on this site and maybe the Type2.com site and you will find lots of discussions on using the stuff. It is cheap but be careful, it is dangerous if not handled properly and wear eye protection. I wouldn't even have it in the house if I had children around. I was lucky enough to find a guy here in the LA area (Pomona) who cleaned up my stock bus rims and re-paint them for $75 the set. They came out fine. PM me if you live around here and want to know where he is.

blacter · Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 10:02 am Post subject:

Okay, I spent about five minutes with a piece of sandpaper and the spare and realized that there's no way I'd want to do this job myself. I'm shopping around today for a local blasting/powdercoating shop.

HomespunKustom · Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 11:34 am Post subject:

pssstttt....paint stripper works too.
_________________
Before your criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them you're a mile away and you have their shoes!

'68 type 1 Kit

I am Spiderman. (part deux)

blacter · Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 8:14 am Post subject:

Sorry, D. I didn't mean to dismiss your advice about paint stripper. I just realized that this was a bigger project than I was prepared to take on. I went to the yellow pages and found a shop that will media blast, powdercoat and clearcoat for $50 a wheel. Seems like a good investment.

63type1 · Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 10:16 pm Post subject:

I had a set of five rims for my '63 bug blasted, cleaned and powdercoated. It cost me $50 per wheel too. A good price for a lot of work and really looks professional. Just so you know $50 a wheel is NOT a rip off. I've never complained!
_________________
'63 ragtop

Big Jim · Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 3:35 am Post subject:

The blasted and powdercoated rims will also last ten times longer than a rattlecan job.

vdubvr6 · Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 7:51 am Post subject:

HomespunKustom · Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 4:35 pm Post subject:

it loosens the rust up and can then be scraped off with steel wool or the like!
_________________
Before your criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them you're a mile away and you have their shoes!

'68 type 1 Kit

I am Spiderman. (part deux)


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Body/Paint	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1