CLEAN, PAINT & COATING OF ALUMINUM WHEELS
VEHICLES AFFECTED: All Models Equipped With Aluminum Wheels
This bulletin replaces our previous bulletin 1984 3-109 due to a revised procedure.
A protective clear coating is applied to the surface of original equipment cast aluminum wheels. The purpose of this service bulletin is to assist dealerships in repairing the discolouration or surface degradation that has been experienced on certain style cast aluminum wheels.
A surface degradation condition can develop if frequent, repeated automatic car wash cleaning abrades or wears off this factory applied protective clear coating. This can happen at some automatic car wash facilities which use aggressive silicon carbide tipped tire brushes to clean white walls and tires. Once the protective clear coating is damaged, exposure to caustic cleaners and/or road salt further causes surface degradation. The following procedure details how to strip, clean and recoat those aluminum wheel rims that are affected by the above conditions.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- 3M Scotchbrite Cleaning Pad Part No. 07445 or equivalent
- 3M brand Troubleshooter* or equivalent
- 3M Part No. 05955 medium buffing compound or equivalent
- Pre Kleno cleaner or equivalent
- R & M Part No. 801 Metal Conditioner or equivalent
- R & M 893 2K Enamel Clearcoat and 894 Catalyst Hardener
PROCEDURE
A. Step 1 - Remove wheel(s) from the car. This makes stripping, cleaning and recoating much easier.
1) Remove wheel weight. Mask off tire and reference mark it for reinstallation of the weight after recoating the wheel.
B. Step 2 - Removal of original clear coating.
1) Apply a chemical stripper such as 3M Brand Troubleshooter* to the wheel rim surface.
2) Wait 10-15 minutes, then wet scrub the surface using a 3M No. 98 Scotchbrite Cleaning Pad Part No. 07445.
3) Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water.
C. Step 3 - Removal of surface oxidation.
1) Compound the surface with 3M Superbuff Buffing Pad Part No. 05701 and medium type compound such as 3M Part No. 05955 or No. 05931. This will remove any existing stain and oxidation from the wheel.
2) After compounding, hose off the rim with water and scrub it with a small brush to remove the excess compound and air blow dry.
CAUTION:
Use of eye goggles is necessary to prevent personal injury.
D. Step 4 - Recoating procedure R & M.
1) Use Pre Kleno to clean the surface of any surface contaminants.
2) Apply No. 801 metal conditioner. It is recommended that rubber gloves be used for this application.
3) Refer to the label for specific directions. If No. 801 metal conditioner is used, make sure it is reduced one part metal conditioner with three parts water.
A) Apply metal conditioner with a clean rag, keeping the surface wet.
B) Wipe the surface off carefully while it is still wet with a clean, dry rag.
4) After removing the original clear coating and preparing the surface, apply R & M's 893 2K Clear 894 Urethane catalyst Hardener. Refer to the label for specific directions.
Special Note: When a applying two part component paint system, wear proper respiratory protection such as 3M Paint Respirator, Part No. 06984, or Easi-Air Respirator, Part No. 06986 or equivalent.
The wheels should be allowed to air dry for a mininum of over night prior to installing them on the vehicle.
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.
