Removing clear coat from rims....

jcovercash

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
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The rims on my car are pretty old but they are a design I like.
I dont have 1k to lay down for rims right now, but I want to fix these up.

They have clearcoat on them that is breaking off. and if i polish the exposed aluminum,
then it gets black underneth the clearcoat. I want to remove all the remaining clearcoat off my rims.

Im not worried about the tires as Im fixing to replace them so I can remove them before removing the
clearcoat from the rims.

What I need to know is how to remove the clearcoat without damaging the aluminum finish on the rims.
I will then polish the aluminum.......
There has to be an acid or something I can get.


LMK what info you might need to help me.

Thanks,
Josh
 

jemcam

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
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Get some of that super high strength paint remover, which may stain the rims. The only other choice is to take them somewhere that does bead blasting. They have softer material now that will remove the paint or clear but not even scratch the aluminum. Better yet, find a wheel reconditioner in your area. Those guys have all the equipment and can even take plain aluminum rims and make them look like chrome.
 

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
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Originally posted by: AMDman12GHz
The rims on my car are pretty old but they are a design I like.
I dont have 1k to lay down for rims right now, but I want to fix these up.

They have clearcoat on them that is breaking off. and if i polish the exposed aluminum,
then it gets black underneth the clearcoat. I want to remove all the remaining clearcoat off my rims.

Im not worried about the tires as Im fixing to replace them so I can remove them before removing the
clearcoat from the rims.

What I need to know is how to remove the clearcoat without damaging the aluminum finish on the rims.
I will then polish the aluminum.......
There has to be an acid or something I can get.


LMK what info you might need to help me.

Thanks,
Josh

Try "airplane remover", at least that's what I think it's called. DO NOT get it on your skin, the stuff burns like hell and I've still got a scar on my arm. I think it's a base and a VERY strong one at that but I'm not sure.
 

jcovercash

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
9,064
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Try "airplane remover", at least that's what I think it's called. DO NOT get it on your skin, the stuff burns like hell and I've still got a scar on my arm. I think it's a base and a VERY strong one at that but I'm not sure.

Ill look into that thanks
 

jemcam

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
3,676
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0
Originally posted by: AMDman12GHz
Try "airplane remover", at least that's what I think it's called. DO NOT get it on your skin, the stuff burns like hell and I've still got a scar on my arm. I think it's a base and a VERY strong one at that but I'm not sure.

Ill look into that thanks

That's the same stuff I was talking about, but you may want to test it on the back of the rim first. It may stain the aluminum.
 

jcovercash

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
9,064
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Originally posted by: jemcam
Get some of that super high strength paint remover, which may stain the rims. The only other choice is to take them somewhere that does bead blasting. They have softer material now that will remove the paint or clear but not even scratch the aluminum. Better yet, find a wheel reconditioner in your area. Those guys have all the equipment and can even take plain aluminum rims and make them look like chrome.

Staining is not good. Im not wanting to put alot into this and Im assuming bead blasting would cost like 100-200 bucks and I would rather pick off the clearcoat with my fingers ,(NotFred if you read this YES IM A CHEAP ASS).

I dont want the fake chrome look, or chrome wheels atm, Im getting chrome Cobra R's later this year. I just want something that looks nicer than cracked clear coat this summer.
 

JC

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2000
5,836
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I've heard that carb cleaner will work too, but I've never tried it. I have buffed the clear off, but that's very tedious :confused:

JC
 

jcovercash

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
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Originally posted by: JC
I've heard that carb cleaner will work too, but I've never tried it. I have buffed the clear off, but that's very tedious :confused:

JC

Yea I know im probally looking at ALOT of work
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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A heavy duty carb cleaner would do thet trick, but you would probably need a couple of cans.

Acetone should work.

Xylene..

Even gasoline should work.
 

jcovercash

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
9,064
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Originally posted by: Eli
A heavy duty carb cleaner would do thet trick, but you would probably need a couple of cans.

Acetone should work.

Xylene..

Even gasoline should work.

My dad said he didnt think carb cleaner would work.... acetone might...

xylene? whats that?