Frustated with some wheels *update page 2*

[Guest]

Got a couple sets of wheels that I just can't even powder coat until I strip them down to bare metal.

First set are 15" wheels with about 4 layers of powder coating on them. I tried aircraft stripper and that doesn't even get past the first MIL, got a torch and that's doing nothing but moving the powder around, melting and dripping here and then, but only getting stronger the more I bake it.

Then I got a set of 18" wheels from an Evo X. There's a clear, paint, and some sort of base. I can blast off the clear and paint within a few seconds for a tiny area, but the primer is not coming off very well. Any suggestions?

Thanks for any help! I am really struggling with these and the local blaster is quoting me 50-75 a wheel or maybe even more! I can't afford to lose money on jobs like this, and going this route would mean just that.

[wiseguyz]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

I have run into the same situation. My pricing now is only for MY work, and I let the customer know that blasting will be outsourced, and their charge will be the customer's responsibility. They bill me, I bill the customer with no markup. Typically the larger wheels (like those 22's I did) are in the 50 to 75 dollar range (each). Best to tell the customer that up front. You may have fewer wheels to do, but it will make your life a LOT easier.

[Guest]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

For those B*tch parts that i can`t get powder off i use Savogran heavy duty super strip. It comes in a gl can, after it sits on the part for 5min i use a scraper to "agitate" the powder??... I don`t know the right word but i guess you get what i mean Let it sit for a further 25-30 min. Usually after this it blasts right off... we do have a BMF commercial blaster but this method also works for the Lil` Blaster..... Hope this helps & good luck !!!!

[Guest]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

Juan]Got a couple sets of wheels that I just can't even powder coat until I strip them down to bare metal.

First set are 15" wheels with about 4 layers of powder coating on them. I tried aircraft stripper and that doesn't even get past the first MIL, got a torch and that's doing nothing but moving the powder around, melting and dripping here and then, but only getting stronger the more I bake it.

Somehow I don't think that's powder if it's melting, dripping and moving around. Unless it's a Thermoplastic powder.

I forgot to mention, there's also a nice coat of SD clear on there as well, could this be what's melting and mixing in with the black? It looks like a paste/gel now. I'll have to snap a picture.

[ATL Powder]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

We outsource the wheels that require finish removal to a com. blaster. I pay 20 bucks per wheel, it's worth every penny. They come back looking like wheel shaped pumice.

[Guest]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

WOw my local blaster only charges me $50 for 4 wheels....

[Guest]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

Hey Juan,
Sorry if the torch thing didnt work for you. Hope you find something that does. That is strange, cause I did burn off a set of wheels that were powder yesterday, and it seemed to work fine for me.? Possibly diff. powder or something, or possibly the super durable like you said.

Anyhow, sorry it didnt work out.

[ATL Powder]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

WOw my local blaster only charges me $50 for 4 wheels....

That's CHEAP ! I'll pay double that to not have to bother w/ them.

[wiseguyz]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

WOw my local blaster only charges me $50 for 4 wheels....

For just painted wheels, I get them done for $10 each. Powder-coated is a whole different deal. He charges $50 an hour for those, and no guarantee how long they might take depending on the powder used, mil thickness, number of coats, etc.

[ATL Powder]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

I don't outsource stuff that my blast box will handle. I'm talking about factory wheels that have crazy tough primer or powdered wheels. If someone is cleaning those for 40 or 50 bucks a set that's a great deal. I pay 80 for 4 , my time is worth far more. hey that rhymes

[JW450R1]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

wow my blaster is at like 35-40 a wheel.YOU GUYS ARE GETTING GOOD DEALS

[baz]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

when possible i try to avoid comercial blaster for aluminium wheels because the profile left on the wheel is really rough . i m lucky to have in my area a industrial shop that does chemical stripping . charges 20$ per wheel and he delivers , the wheels com back stripped , rinsed,dryed, and the profile is like it was when they were cast in the first place ,
fo the ones that live in or close to large industrial areas , there is probably something similar in your area
you have to ask around . manufacturers that build and powdercoat aluminium parts need to strip all their rejects and they cannot burn off the aluminium parts so they need to gt them chemically stripped

[mjwash]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

What about the plastic abrasive media? Has anyone had experience using this to remove powder? I've heard good things about it but have always been to skeptical to spend the money.

[Guest]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

Is there any chance these are covered wheels and not coated? Working for Goodyear for twenty plus yrs. I have seen coverings they put over wheels you can't tell from coatings a lot of the time. These are coverings that are molded or bonded to the wheel.

[Smashing]

Re: Frustated with some wheels...

What are the coverings made of?