Quote:
Originally Posted by ronn
I know most guys blast their rusty wire wheels, just wondering if anyone has come up with a dipping process for rust/paint removal?
would think a big drum could be cut down, a liquid added and put one wheel in at a time to soak for however long and a clean wheel might emerge?
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Yes & No. To remove paint (which is an organic) you need Caustic (Sodium Hydroxide) It will remove all the paint or powder coat. It works well (i.e.: faster) when heated. It will need to be placed in a metal container.
To remove rust, you need Phosphoric Acid. This process is known as Pickling ...and can be searched as such.
Do not worry about soaking 21" Model-A wheels. If anything, this is a good thing. If you are concerned, drill a 1/8" hole in the bead to allow the mixture of Phosphoric & water to fill the bead cavity. When you drain it, use a propane torch to slightly warm the wheel rim which will evaporate the water. Use a welder to seal the hole --or just leave it open. (Won't hurt a thing!)