Painting rims

[profcucchi]

Anyone ever use aircraft stripper and then paint?

I have a gold paint on my rims that screams 1984, but I just want them kinda-shiny black.

Any hints?

[Exit98]

I had mine sandblasted then powdercoated yellow to match the car. Stock hubcaps and beauty rings. Came out fine and I think it looks pretty good.

[seabeelt]

Mine look like they were repainted nicely at some point (close match to the original silver) and appear to be holding up well.


I think James Seabolt did a write up at one time about refinishing the steel rims. If you google him , I think you will find his site if its still active.
R/

[RRoller123]

Painted the original steel wheels on my 80FI.

[jclarkey]

I have been debating Plasti-dipping my rims black. Just need to to find the time.

[DaveT]

I have Iron Cross rims that were painted black in the 'inserts'. I used aircraft stripper on them and it worked well. Just be careful and read the directions thoroughly cuz it's tough stuff. I followed up with sanding using a few different grits and used a primer and then black Rustoleum charcoal grill paint. I was pleased overall.

[profcucchi]

I have Iron Cross rims that were painted black in the 'inserts'. I used aircraft stripper on them and it worked well. Just be careful and read the directions thoroughly cuz it's tough stuff. I followed up with sanding using a few different grits and used a primer and then black Rustoleum charcoal grill paint. I was pleased overall.

DaveT,

sound exactly like what I plan to do.


I can't find James' site, sadly, but I found one on youtube that looks usable. I just need to do the work.

[spider2081]

Here are some photo's of mine. I used paint stripper then media blast followed with a scotch bright pad in a die grinder to clean up the road rash.


I don't think I did the photo right

[spider2081]

ok I'll try again









I think I got it this time tough to be old. LOL

[WYSpider]

This is what I want to do to my iron cross rims. spider2081, which paints and steps did you take?

[profcucchi]

So, based on those great pics, I have to media blast them?

My rims are Hotwire and there's so much detail on them. But they'll look so good in black.



Is there any way I can just strip them, prime them and paint them? Can't afford blasting...

[RRoller123]

blasting is the best solution, by far.

[DaveT]

Those are nice looking rims. Can you strip them and paint them yourself? Yes BUT it's going to be a ton of work for you. That's nothing like the Iron Crosses pictured above - those have decent sized flat surfaces, unlike yours with all those nooks and crannies. I also think blasting is the best way to go. It'll take forever to strip those by hand.

[profcucchi]

Those are nice looking rims. Can you strip them and paint them yourself? Yes BUT it's going to be a ton of work for you. That's nothing like the Iron Crosses pictured above - those have decent sized flat surfaces, unlike yours with all those nooks and crannies. I also think blasting is the best way to go. It'll take forever to strip those by hand.

Really, I should just get a tire off, strip it and take my time. But, I am quite the chicken.

[spider2081]

I was on a New England Fiat run for the weekend. We drove our 81 Spider 940 wonderful miles through CT,MA VT, and NH. Perfect weekend.
I did my own media blasting. The cleaner the wheels are before blasting the easier that step is and the less contaminated the media becomes for reuse. Also I didn't want to use too course a media I wanted the finished surface as smooth as possible.
I forgot to mention once the wheels were cleaned I used a Dupont chemical cleaner for white metals I think its is Dupont 226s. The primer is Nason urethane 2 part primer and the silver and black paint is Dupont Imron paint. The wheels are painted front and back.