DIY Wheel Aluminum Refurb

I wanted Aluminum wheels for the truck - my steelies are rusted and flaking and basically look like crap. I found a used set with tires - the tires fell off and I gave them to my shop and asked they go to the needy (They sometimes get the "broke student" down on their luck types and sell used tires cheap - truly good Christians)

I went and got a quote from a local refurb shop - they wouldn't touch them. WTF...OK now what.

Research and figured a plan - then set to it.

Time budget:
About 24 man/hrs total - I didn't track it to the minute but over the course of 4 sessions I washed, scraped, wire wheel, sanded, cleaned, primed, backside color, color. I need about another hour or so for clearcoat. It's not a pro job so I took my time and relaxed. Figuring out what wheel and paper I needed took some time too.
The cleaning, sanding prep before paint took the most time.

Materials:
small wire wheel on a die grinder - I have an air compressor
220 wet/dry paper - get 3M brand - the HF stuff crumbles when wet, clogs when dry
scrapers of various types - 1/2" flat was most used.
degreaser
soap and water
denatured alcohol before applying any primer

paints:
self etch primer - 1 can, 2 coats each
primer filler - I didn't use this but wish I had - I got a 5 foot finish without filler. 1 can
flat black paint for the backside - 3 cans for 2 coats
Rustoleum High Performance Wheel Steel color - 2 cans with left overs - matches center cap exactly
clear coat - I only plan to use 1 can worth because it's 2x coating according to can.

pictures:
before
prime
backside
color

I may have forgot some info so ask any questions - I hope this was helpful

 

And after all that I tossed 'em into the back and drove to the station to get the rubber swapped - they got all banged up and scraped.

At least I can't fault the mechanic - I'll touch them up when I get a chance.

 

How long did you wait enamels have a 5 to 7 day cure

 

I'll go with "not long enough" - about 4 days from clear coating

 

Did you do all 4 at once?

 

Mechanic called - turns out the lug nuts for steelies are not compatible with these wheels.

So if you're going from steelies to alloys, don't forget the lug nuts...

 

I bulk batched each set - wash all 4, wire wheel all 4 etc. - doing one wheel start to finish would have been not good.

 

Two thumbs up !!

 

There lies the crux in painting aluminum wheels. The paint won't hold up at the bead. Powder coating is better, but id just rather dip than paint. Yours look great tho.

 

I did not paint below the top surface of the rim - specifically avoided the "under tire" areas so the bead should not be affected.

 

I meant the surface the tire machine rubs across.

 

Ah - I see - Well the mech didn't have any issues that I know of but I'm not rolling yet so stay tuned.

 

pics on the truck?

 

In the rain - I can get a dry pic later if desired

OK - Here's the summary:
I should have used a primer/filler for at least 1 coat and taken my time to double check the sanding process before the primer process - found a couple things I could have done better.

I should have waited a week for the paints to cure but I rushed it and got what I deserve. Only 1 wheel was bunged up badly during the mounting process and was scraped during transport so I won't blame my mech. I'll touch it up shortly but re-work could have been avoided.

The lug nut scramble was on me as well because I didn't think about it so learn from my other mistake. Check your nuts if you're going from steel to alloy!

I have more time than $$ invested in this project - the powder coat guys want a much higher prep level than what I did and their cost out weighed using this wheel set for me - buying new aftermarket wheels would have been a better choice.

Also, I'm not sure why exactly but these wheels have a lot more weight on them than my steelies - However, my vibes are gone - like not there anymore gone. It rides like it should and I'm not fighting to control at highway speeds. I suspect one of my rims was damaged and causing the vibes.

Budget totals:
rims = $50 each at a junk yard
materials = $150 or less not including the die grinder I bought, tools are an investment. The paint and sand paper are the consumables for this one.

Like all the posts say, take your time, double check and be fussy while sanding. Once the first coat goes on, check again and make adjustments as needed. The overall end product will be worth it.

 

From that stand paint they look factory which is fine to me. I priced out new procomp rims 436 shipped powdercoat for 4 was 400-440. so your not in it too bad plus its half the fun of working on your own stuff learn along the way

 

Mine did just fine. Been 2.5 years. Only knicks are from dropping my ratchet on them when taking off my wheels a couple times. PC would have chipped too from what I've seen on parts I've had with PC.

 

I picked up some alloy FJ wheels last week and dropped them off at the powder coater today. 200 for the wheels. 160 for the PC. I picked Satin black so that I have options for the center caps. I'll post up pics next week when I get them back.

I'm all about DIY, but I don't think my DIY would have held up LOL or been worth my time.

 

Thanks Harvo - The durability will be a long term test...I'm hoping they stand up to at least 150K miles before another strip and paint...

It was a Tinker Level 2 project - nothing hard and more time than $$ really - tools made it easy. I can't say enough to take your time and be thorough at each step - check it all twice before applying primer. Your results will be better than mine.

Let each paint application cure - I rushed, got burned - Relax and let your results be better than mine.

The pics don't really do the work justice - they look awesome and POP when you see them in natural light. When you get close you see all the imperfections so stand back 5 feet and be dazzled - I'm not winning shows by any means just enjoying making my truck look better - The real treat is in the performance - my vibes are gone and it rolls like a new truck should. At 10 years and 106K, I'm very happy.