Stock Alloy Wheels - Clearcoat Peeling

[TomServo9]

Hey I've got a question for you guys. I have asked several people that I know about this but none have any idea.

I have the stock Alloy Teardrop wheels on my 92' X. The clear plastic cote is peeling/flaking away and the water/salt up here in MN is causing what appears to be some corrosion. Is there anywhere I can bring them to have them cleaned up and resealed? They are starting to look AWFUL. I have seen this on a lot of early X's with the alloy wheels. I assume it is quite common. I have NO idea where I could bring them to have them redone. Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!

 

[Byrd91]

I'm having the same problem...with my less than a year old American Racing Rims.... I'm going to use an aircraft stripper and a wire wheel to remove the clearcoat and then try to polish them....I wish I would've boughten polished in the first place and now I'm kicking myself in the ass. Anyway, thats what I'm trying, it won't be done for a while though but I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[TomServo9]

Any luck Byrd91? Anyone else know what I can do to fix this problem, or have any suggestions? I may take some pics with the digi-cam and post them here if I have some time. Thanks in advance for any advice!!

 

[GaSouthern1]

Once it starts, it is really unstoppable, your only choice is either to get the clear coat re-applied. Just take it to a body shop..most of them can take care of it no problem.

 

[Harry5150]

I have some aluminum wheels that are having the same problem as well. They got a little corrosion from being stored.

I was going to attempt to do this so I can sell them for some $.

Polishing article

 

[Bacon X]

I got the same problem on my 98. you can get them re- skimmed on a cnc lathe.... costs a ton. What is so great with aircraft stripper?? I would like fo fix mine as well. But i want to do it low buck.

 

[nole99]

Hey guys first post, but hopefully helpful...
What I did was head on down to home depot....bought a $7 container of KS-3 (Kleen-Strip) paint stipper...in their paint dept........then spent $6 on a few wire brushes.....then $4 on some 1500 grit sandpaper and already had some metal polish and meguiars hot rims cleaner.........that's it for supplies......
Step 1 remove wheels
Step 2 appply a heavy coat of KS-3 shade works best with a plastic bag over top when done for about 15 min
Step 4 clearcoat should be all cracked and ready for removal
Step 5 Re-apply to areas that need more ks-3 let sit about 5-10 min
Step 6 Wire brush off
Step 7 Wet sanded coroded areas
Step 8 Spray down with hot rims cleaner and wipe dry. (this removes dirt and grime)
Step 9 polished with wool 3 inch bonnet on end of drill
Step 10 ....Admiration

The whole proces took about 3 hours for all 4 wheels and is faster with the drill adapter for the 3 in polisher. Also I have the 10 hole wheels and the lil round ones caused the biggest slowdown, teardrops would probably cut an hour off due to less wire brush action...............on a side not prior to this my wheels were nasty due to salt and crap get between the clear and the wheel itself nasty as in almost black......now you'd never know..... it seems now the brake dust and road grime does not adhere to the wheel as it did before.
I can post pics if you'd like, just gotta figure out how too.....

Hope this helps

 

[tomblin1]

I work as a insurance damage estimator. damage to wheels is a common problem. there are companies that specialize in repairing and refinishing wheels. You would most likley have to go thru your local body shop unless you know someone.

Anyway, here in So. Cal, a company like Wheels of America will repair curb scrapes and refinish your wheels. But not cheap..... Here its $125 per wheel. If one of the above recommended quick fixes dont work, maybe new aftermarket rims are a better idea.

I just replace the rims on my '93 x last week, I was having the same clearcoat peeling/corrosion problem. Found some awesone 15x8 american racing wheels for only $110. better way to go I thought, Good luck

 

[sylvestermax]

Don't use a wire brush to remove the clear coat, you will scratch the metal below the clear coat. Use acitone, take the wheel of the vehicle, lay it down and coat the wheel with acitone soaked paper towels. Keep them wet and in about an hour the clear coat will peel away leaving a pristine finish. Then clean with simple green and get it clear coated. I did a set of old rims that I thought were ready for scrap. When I was done the looked better than new.

 

[G-rigged]

My american racing rims are doing that and i've asked a few places if they knew what to do with them. The body man i bought it off of (not very long ago) (they were that way when i bought them) said he couldnt really do anythign with them except sand blast them and paint them. My next option is to buy new center's....since the back centers were the worst (i only have minor spots on the rims themselves). Well i called a tire company and they said they did not have any of my center's in the warehouse (so i take it they dont make it anymore). My rims looks VERY similar to the alloy wheels on most 4dr's 91-94. I almost thought they might have been a factory option but i didnt think american racing rims were a factory option. Since my tires are out of balance anyway (no weights at all on wheels) i'm just going to buy a set of tires and wheels. I found M/T classic 2's 15x8's for 96 bucks each that'll i'll put on a set of thornbirds. Anyone here have a pic of an explorer with 2" lift and 30's or 31's ???