ALUMINUM WHEEL REFINISHING ALL MODELS W/ ALUMINUM WHEELS
ALUMINUM WHEEL REFINISHING
VEHICLES AFFECTED: All Models Equipped with Aluminum Wheels -----------------
This bulletin aluminum wheels provides alternate methods of refinishing corroded aluminum wheels.
CLEARCOAT REMOVAL
The clearcoat can be removed from aluminum wheels mechanically or chemically.
One method involves using coarse sandpaper by hand or power sander. This process will not damage colour coated surfaces but is very times consuming.
Another method involves the use of paint stripper. This can be much faster, but may also strip colour coated surfaces,
Success has been achieved with a product called " TAL STRIP" which is a thick, jellylike paint stripper which, when carefully applied will not drip down onto the colour coated surfaces. ("TAL STRIP" is manufactured by Talsol Corporation and distributed by Across Canada Warehouses Ltd.)
For wheels that have Colour coated lettering such as the Fiero, it is suggested that heavy grease be applied in the grooves of the lettering to repel the paint stripper and protect the paint.
Use an orbital sander with 120 grit sandpaper followed by 220 grit sandpaper to remove residual clearcoat.
CORROSION REMOVAL
One effective method of removing corrosion is to mount the wheel on a brake lathe and rotate it while holding Coarse thru fine grit against the wheel. This method allows the circular machining appearance to be uniformly maintained. Use 80 grit followed by 180 grit sandpaper for the best results. Care must be taken to not apply to much pressure which can cause severe rounding of leading fin edges.
Faster method of corrosion removal involves the use of a "MAG BUFF" wheel polishing machine. This equipment removes corrosion and pitting and gives the wheel a high gloss appearance. The MAG BUFF machine is available from:
MAG BUFF 3008 S. Orange Santa Ana, CA 92707
(714) 549-0111 Judith A. Landis, President
The following is a list of shops known to be using the MAG BUFF wheel polishing machine:
Jims Speed Equipment 519-434-5842 London, ON
David Santings Auto Centre 519-966-0422 Windsor, ON
Grasms Tire Centre 604-669-3124 Vancouver, BC
Talisman Tire Centre 604-936-3111 Port Moody, BC
Kal-Tire Ltd. 604-374-6248 Kamloops, BC
Rick's Speed Equipment 519-745-9443 Kitchener, ON
Performance Improvements 416-222-5225 Toronto, ON
CLEARCOAT RENEWAL
The wheel must be clearcoated after it has been cleaned and the corrosion removed. The following steps are for the application of the two part Ditzler (PFG) clearcoat.
o scuff sand any colour coated surfaces with a fine Scotch-Brite pad to promote adhesion, being careful not to damage the final finish sanding lines.
o water wash the surface of the wheel.
o clean surface with ACRYLI-CLEAN (DX-330) Wax and Grease Remover.
o clean and etch the surface with ALUMIPREP (DX-533) Cleaner and Brightener.
o rinse the surface thoroughly. with water before the DX-533 starts to dry.
o follow, wet on wet, with INVISIBLE ALODINE (DX-501) Conversion Coating.
o rinse thoroughly with water and blow dry.
o clearcoat with DELCLEAR (DAU-75) Acrylic Urethane Clear and DELTHANE ULTRA (DXR-80) Additive.
o allow to dry overnight before placing in service.
DISCLAIMER
"We believe this source and their material to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such material. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for their products or equipment from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources."
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
