Rusty Wheel Cleanup Suggestions?

bobgreco

bobgreco

Senior Member
I just bought 4 nice 21" wheels for my truck. Nice in that they are structurally sound and in good mechanical shape, no bent spokes, round lug nut holes etc. The only downside is they are evenly rusted all over. Not heavy, but enough that they need to be cleaned up before painting.

What is everyone's experience for cleaning them up and removing the rust? I can think of wire brushing, sandblasting, electrolysis (although I have no idea how) or using naval jelly? Any comments on these or any other methods?

As always, thanks!!

Bob
 
Bob, what resources do you have at your disposal? I'm not sure any is better than the other (with exception of the wire brushing) so it really boils down to what is available to you.

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I do not have any special resources available other than standard tools etc. There is a place in town that lets you rent a blast booth, but I do not know the cost or what size parts it holds.
 
One of things that quite often gets overlooked when restoring the 21" wheels is the outside wheel rim. This rolled rim will collect sand from blasting, or if it already has rust build-up inside, this rust will dislodge itself with electrolysis or chemical cleaning, but won't remove it's self completely. To resolve this problem, might I suggest the drilling of three evenly spaced 3/16' holes around the circumfrence of the wheel on the inside edge.
This then will allow you to blow air into the wheel rim to remove as much deposits as possible and to inject chemicals for flushing, if that is the method you prefer.
What ever chemical you decide to use for disolving the rust, be sure to neutralize the chemical during final flushing with water.
After drying with the air nozzle into the rim, use either a good quick drying primer or epoxy paint to inject into the holes you have previously drilled using a 10cc or 20cc hypodermic shringe you can obtain from you local veternarian or vet supply store. Inject 20cc -40cc of this primer or paint. Roll the wheel around until the primer/paint starts to set-up. This paint/primer will adhear to any rust particles that were left behind with your initial cleaning. By using this method, your vehicle, when passing by spectators won't have that funny rasping sound eminating from the rim.

If it is going to be a driver, you should be able to get the sandblasting and powder coating done for about $50/wheel
 
I'll be attempting this process and thanks Glenn C. for that bit on the injection. I thought of electrolysis for a short time, to remove all remaining paint and begin the rust removal. but not to set it too long to avoid destroying the bead. Given that I've got plenty of time I'll set them in diesel fuel. then go about it as you've mentioned, at some point.
Thanks.
 
I wouldn't set them in diesel fuel, as it will get into the rim and be hard to get out. I would just sandblast and paint them. My rim is rolled so tight I'm not sure any sand would get past the edge of the roll.
 
'29wagon said:
I'll be attempting this process and thanks Glenn C. for that bit on the injection. I thought of electrolysis for a short time, to remove all remaining paint and begin the rust removal. but not to set it too long to avoid destroying the bead. Given that I've got plenty of time I'll set them in diesel fuel. then go about it as you've mentioned, at some point.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

..........Boy I'd sure forget about diesel fuel.........
1) It'll do nothing to remove rust.
2) The oily film will make electrolysis or acids ineffective as a rust remover in the future.
3) It'll get trapped in the bead and cause problems with priming & final paint.

What about setting them in a bucket of molassess for a few days?
I haven't tried this method, but the molasses works even better apparently if kept warm...have you still got sun?
All we got is rain ...& now fog.:mad:
 
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