Automotive question

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

Anyone know of a good safe way to remove the clear coat from an aluminum wheel (while the tire is mounted)? The clear coat on SWMBO's van has started to bubble and flake. Really ugly and SWMBO only tolerates ugly when it comes to me.

I was thinking that Acetone and a swab in small portions would be okay, then remove the softened clear coat with a wood scraper. Then the 400 grit sandpaper I was using earlier would take the remaining clear coat off. Then a good rubbing with Mother's before new clear coat.

Any thoughts?

[webbcraft2150]

You might try spray on paint remover. I have used it to remove the clearcoat on my XS. Might take 2 tries. Try to find "Aircraft" brand. Rinse it off well, let dry. Follow up with some "00" steel wool then go to a polish like Simichrome or the "wadding" type. If you have a felt wheel on a drill, it goes alot faster.

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

Those removers safe for rubber? I can't take her van off the road long enough remove the tires, do the deed and remount and balance the rubber.

[webbcraft2150]

I did not see any negative effects on my tires when I got the stripper on my tires other than cleaning them real well. If you are going to leave the wheels on the rig when you do this, you might want to mask the body with something to avoid having to make a trip to the paint shop.

[trbig]

Also.... don't put Mother's on it if you are going to re-apply a clearcoat. Mother's has wax in it and it wouldn't adhere to the wheel.


Tod

[Geezer]

Acetone will wash it off. Be sure and take all the safety precausions.

Geezer