blast steel wheels?

[73alfetta]

I have an original set of 14" steel wheels that came off my 73 sedan. Problem is that they were sitting in a shed for 20 years and have significant rust/pitting present. I'm trying to decide whether or not to blast them clean and repaint. Not sure if I will eventually have seal/balance problem with them?
Any definite signs when rims should be scrapped and unusable?

Regards, MC

[Mikes4C1300]

MC,

As long as the rust hasn't affected their strength or integrity and they aren't bent go ahead and blast away. Of course, the pitting won't go away so you might not like the final finished look. I've had my '60s Fergats bead blasted twice and repainted with no problems. I run tubeless tires on them now.

Mike Hollinger
Atlanta

[AllthingsZagato]

The only advice I would offer is; the corrosion around the valve opening looks pretty bad and if you do have them blasted you may find it tricky to get the grit from out of the joint between hub & wheel.

[emr5503]

In the first pic, is that a crack at the 9 o'clock hole?
Ed

[infanterene]

I just had a set of wheels blasted and powder coated. Mine were in better shape than yours and some pitting still shows through the powder coat.

I would still do it, they are still going to look a lot better.

[SuperFab]

Just a suggestion...You might want to look into chemical stripping (acid stripping). This might be worthwhile depending upon you access to blasting equipment/acid strip company close by/cost considerations.

[bshorey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73alfetta I have an original set of 14" steel wheels that came off my 73 sedan. Problem is that they were sitting in a shed for 20 years and have significant rust/pitting present. I'm trying to decide whether or not to blast them clean and repaint. Not sure if I will eventually have seal/balance problem with them? Any definite signs when rims should be scrapped and unusable? Regards, MC