Topic: Would you guys try to salvage these? Wheel content..

[SClay115]

I'm starting to think it's a futile act. Should I, for safety reasons alone, invest in some new hoops?

Steve

[TwoTired]

For ordinary street use probably.

Have any hole dimensions changed?
Has any of the metal thickness diminished below 2/3 of original? (check this after you have removed the rust scale.)

If the answers are, no, then remove all rust to brite metal and paint with zinc chromate.  Not the color, the real thing, with zinc in the contents label.  This should go wherever the chrome doesn't show with the tire on.

Cheers,

[SClay115]

For ordinary street use probably.

Have any hole dimensions changed?
Has any of the metal thickness diminished below 2/3 of original? (check this after you have removed the rust scale.)

If the answers are, no, then remove all rust to brite metal and paint with zinc chromate.  Not the color, the real thing, with zinc in the contents label.  This should go wherever the chrome doesn't show with the tire on.

Cheers,

Hard street use most likely. And what is your opinion of the best way to remove the rust...media blast it?

Steve

[c_kyle]

Bead blast, not sand.

[puppytrax]

I would use a needle scaler first, to remove the scabby stuff...it will also point out any thin areas...   

[rhinoracer]

My rims were almost as badly rusted as yours. I just cleaned them with a wire wheel to have them chromed.

What I found while cleaning was cracks around some of the spoke holes. Use will heat and harden the metal and then with further deflection it will crack, with cracks usually starting at the weakest (thinnest or most rusted) point.

So before you put any money into them, consider replacing them with a set in good condition.

[BobbyR]

Wire brush it smooth , use the Zinc Chromate, and make sure to use a new good quality rim strip to protect the tube.

[SClay115]

Where might I get something with zinc chromate in it? Please tell me it's a readily available item..

Steve

[KB02]

You could also use the POR 15 rust treatment, I would think, if you want to salvage what you have. Then again, buying new would save you the trouble of cleaning them up.

[SClay115]

Well the intent is to Paint or Powdercoat them in the end. So if i could find a cheap set of some hoops that maybe the chrome isn't to hot on them, that would be ideal. But buying a nice fresh set of new hoops, and then prepping them for the color, well, I think it's working a little backwards. I worked on them this morning at work, I'll take some pictures tonight when I get home, and you guys can let me know if it's a decent enough prep.

Steve

[johnny-from-bel]

Just a bit of surface rust. Sandblast and rechrome

[TwoTired]

Where might I get something with zinc chromate in it? Please tell me it's a readily available item..

Steve

It is readily available if you know where to look.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/search.php

Or, if you have a general aviation maintenence shop nearby, just ask the mechanic if he has any for sale or where you can get some locally.

Cheers,

[SClay115]

Where might I get something with zinc chromate in it? Please tell me it's a readily available item..

Steve

It is readily available if you know where to look.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/search.php

Or, if you have a general aviation maintenence shop nearby, just ask the mechanic if he has any for sale or where you can get some locally.

Cheers,

Thanks TT, you know, I have to admit, you seem to be one of the most helpful/knowledgeable people on this forum. I really appreciate the help, and I'm sure others do too.

Steve

[TwoTired]

Thanks, Steve, for the acknowledgement.  I do try.

Cheers,