Hi all,
I would like to refurbish my alloy wheels myself, (even though I will probably spend about the same amount!). I have some BBS wheels off a BMW in very good condition but it looks like they have been refurbed before and have a good amount of paint build up.

Any idea of how to strip the paint/laquer without damaging the alloy before painting

Thanks

The place near me who are very busy, just stick em in an oven to bake it off.

After spending a load on paint and spending hours and hours rubbing my fingers sore to refurb a set during the summer I found a professional refurber that does wheels for a pound per inch (ie 17" wheel for £17) and decided to never ever entertain even thinking about doing any by hand again

Oh yeah, rattle cans can make for a lovely finish if you have the time and patience, but scratches and chips easily. Ask me how I know... ;(

[Edited on 15/1/11 by UncleFista]

Unclefista - That sounds a proper bargain at a pound per inch! Were can I get them done for this price?

I used "Nitromors paint and varnish remover".

Gloves and eye protection are not optional.

I did a couple of sets of 4-spoke revolutions. Came out nice, although its not a quick job. Don't forget to get etch primer.

I've attempted to nitromors some compomotive CXs (cross spoke type) and although it can be done its very intricate so takes a lot of time and effort! Found somewhere in newbury that will bead blast them for £12.50+vat a wheel so will be taking them there i think.

Adam,

That sounds like a good price. I got through at least £10 of paint stripper, £3 of budget brushes, and a few pairs of disposable gloves, it took several hours and I burned a few holes in the grass.

So £60 would have probably been a better option.

If you do use stripper, then use lots of it and give it a chance to do its thing (perhaps cover it). It doesn't damage the alloy, although it will mark the tyres and maybe cause damage (don't know, but tyres are tough). Then goggles and pressure spray (from a distance in a space that doesn't matter).

Matt

glass bead blasted, doesnt damage the metal like shot blast and is ready to prime

quote:

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Originally posted by carpmart
Unclefista - That sounds a proper bargain at a pound per inch! Were can I get them done for this price?

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I also have to agree with Unclefesta

As i spent hours refurbing some RS 4 spokes, all niceley polished, and painted green centres to match ny car<<

thinners = £20
paint stripper = £15
paint brushes scrapers etc £10
flap wheels etc £20
polishing etc £20

Then i spray laquered them

OH what a f*****g mess !!

I will never go down that messy horrible route again, as with my tin top alloys, they go to a wheels specialist up the road, and for about £55 come back looking like brand new items

Steve

I could have 5 RS wheels for sale !!

Going off subject slightly, I had a set of OZ's done at BJV Engineering. They were in a horrible state when they went in, lots of kerb damage and one buckled. Now they look brand new.

Not exactly in the locost ethos though - £160 for a set of four. It says +VAT on the website, but didn't take much bargaining to get it for £160 all in.

http://www.wheelrefurbishing.co.uk/

Chris

I too have used CAS Coatings in Bradford for several sets of wheel, always good service and work.