Steel wheels/paint removal

[MrPink]

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[1ton-o-fun]

Not too bad for half-assed try. I'll do them properly this weekend.

 

[Caman96]

A good way when spraying, is to get a Lazy-Susan kit from Lowe’s or HD and attach to a piece of plywood(a bit larger than wheel). Then give it a spin while spraying, not too fast. I’ve done it and it really helps to give an even coat.

 

[1ton-o-fun]

Alright folks... I've been working on the wheels and videos for a couple of hours now. I've learned a few things.
- I stink at making videos (I already knew that). Ain't happening. Sorry. Pics will have to do.
- Cleaning chemicals today DO NOT come close to working like they used to 25-30 years ago. Used to be highly dangerous and highly effective. Now they're dangerous and moderately effective only if used incorrectly.
I've cut a 30 gallon plastic drum in half and I have one wheel soaking in about 3.5 gallons of water and just over half a gallon of the Zep degreaser concentrate. The gallon of degeraser is supposed to make 25 gallons of ready to use product, so I've mixed it strong. It's still a slow process. I think I'm going to let it soak for 24 hours.
I went ahead with spraying the face of one wheel down with Easy Off oven cleaner. After an hour and a half, the paint is soft enough to scratch off with your fingernail. -But I was gently using a flat screwdriver instead.
It's going to be a lengthy process, but it's going to be a lot cheaper than $200-$500 at my local shops.
I'll keep you posted.

 

[1ton-o-fun]

Well, after three and a half hours, and about one can of Easy Off (about $8), here's the result.
All I did was spray the wheel off with a hose! No scrubbing! If I would have had some coarse steel wool on hand, I probably wouldn't have needed a final application.
I gotta say, I didn't expect it to work as good as it did! I finished off the can by applying it to what's left of the paint you see.
I figure it will take another can to do the backside of the wheel too.
All told, I should end up with four bare steel wheels for less than $100.
Primer, white paint, and clear? That's another story. I still believe I will come out ahead. One of the shops I called said $85 each wheel to sandblast, prime, and paint.
-So that's my goal to beat! Get these done for less than $340

 

[Caman96]

Watch this guy. Easy Off on aluminum or rubber is a big NO!

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[454cid]

Well, after three and a half hours, and about one can of Easy Off...I gotta say, I didn't expect it to work as good as it did!

Fantastic! I didn't think it would do enough to be worth while, but I guess you proved me wrong. Another tool for the job!

I've think I still have a bit of paint on a Buick (steel) valve cover that I need to remove before I can recoat it.... I'll have to look, I've let that project sit in the garage all winter. I may try to get the remainder off with oven cleaner.

 

[Caman96]

Well, after three and a half hours, and about one can of Easy Off (about $8), here's the result.
All I did was spray the wheel off with a hose! No scrubbing! If I would have had some coarse steel wool on hand, I probably wouldn't have needed a final application.
I gotta say, I didn't expect it to work as good as it did! I finished off the can by applying it to what's left of the paint you see.
I figure it will take another can to do the backside of the wheel too.
All told, I should end up with four bare steel wheels for less than $100.
Primer, white paint, and clear? That's another story. I still believe I will come out ahead. One of the shops I called said $85 each wheel to sandblast, prime, and paint.
-So that's my goal to beat! Get these done for less than $340

Looks good 1ton-o-fun! Glad the Easy Off worked out. I’ll be painting mine soon as well. Got new tires too.

 

[1ton-o-fun]

I don't have paint OR tires at the moment... I have a dry place to put them. I can also WD40 them and bag each one until I get my $#!+ together for the painting phase.
I think I'll see what I want to do about the little bit of rust you see on them before that happens.

 

[454cid]

I don't have paint OR tires at the moment... I have a dry place to put them. I can also WD40 them and bag each one until I get my $#!+ together for the painting phase.
I think I'll see what I want to do about the little bit of rust you see on them before that happens.

I wouldn't do wd40..... you may have paint issues later.

Vinegar or Molasses would be the cheap ways to deal with rust.