I was just wondering if there is an effective way to remove the clear from polished Y2k wheels without removing the tires. How well do they hold up like this? I want to use mine as training wheels to see if I will be able to maintain them before buying something like ccw's or hre's.

 

I did a quick search in the Wheels & Tires section in the archives and found a couple of early threads on this topic. It seems that you can purchase a commercial paint stripper that is identified as being able to strip clear coats - it's a spray on product and is available in auto paint establishments. No product was named specifically, but the process was to start with a clean and dry wheel - spray on the stripper and then powerwash the wheels.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...coat+on+wheels

 

I can't imagine that there is any way to do it with the tires mounted. Anything that will strip clear coat will eat your tires.

 

Aircraft paint stripper is what I've used to remove the clear coat effectively. It's nasty stuff so use according to the manufacturers warnings on the label (well ventilated area w/ hand/eye protection).
You can find it at automotive paint supply sources. I've used it with the tires removed. I'd think there might be a good potential for rubber degradation if the tires/stems were left mounted.
The other manner to remove the coating might be with a professionally applied soda blasting which is used to remove paint, rust, etc from classic car bodies. It'll remove the finish and shouldn't damage the tires like a caustic acid. The finish remaining might require additional steps in polishing though.

 

I have stripped a set of thin spokes. You will spend countless hours hand sanding with various grits of sandpaper before you are happy. It is easy to do with the tires on. Stripper will not harm the rubber as long as you wash the wheels and tires . As a sidenote....I'd never do it again. The sanding takes huge amounts of time and effort. My 2 cents.

 

Also, once you start, there is no turning back! I thought it would be an afternoon project, was I wrong! Purchased a set of Motorsport rims that night! A couple afternoons with lots of sanding, and I'm still not happy.

Be careful if you use a pressure washer as the stripper goes everywhere, and will burn holes in your skin!

Good luck!

 

I agree - I'd probably remove the tires to prevent any potential damage to the rubber.

 

I stripped mine. With a brush on paint stripper from Home Depot.I left the tires on. Did not use a pressure cleaner. I also cleaned of the residue with MEK. I did not sand like one of the posts said earlier, I buffed the wheels with a spiral sewn buffing wheel on a cordless drill and some mothers. Here are the results;

 

[QUOTE=C5naples;1560990691]I stripped mine. With a brush on paint stripper from Home Depot.I left the tires on. Did not use a pressure cleaner. QUOTE]



How long did that process take you ?

Those are some GREAT looking wheels !!

 

[QUOTE=jrprich;1560990902]About 4 hours per wheel. I am not lying to you it takes a lot of patience!

 

[QUOTE=C5naples;1560990942]That looks awsome. I may have to do that as mine are starting to look pretty bad on the insides.

 

Yes, it is best to remove the tires and valve stems from the wheels first, in an effort to prevent possible damage to these sensitive, often rubber and plastic wheel features, because of the caustic, and, degrading nature of the product ("Paint Remover"). FYI: Jasco Premium Paint and Epoxy Remover has been a common clear coat remover used in the aftermarket wheel industry for many years, to remove the clear coat found on many custom wheels from the originating wheel factory. This product is available at the Home Depot and Ace Hardware for just over $50 for a one gallon can.

Patience is paramount in this specific process, AND, do be sure to wear gloves, eye protection, etc. Once the clear coat is completely stripped, you will then be able to polish your wheel to a far more appealing luster with any polishing equipment of your choice (Eastwoods, Mothers Powerball, Professional Wheel Polishing, etc.). Finally, do keep in mind that when you remove the protective clear coat, the exposed surface will be more vulnerable to water stains, and, discoloration from the road and the general environment. Thus, polishing the wheels regularly will assist in maintaining a shiny surface. BTW: Naps, you did an awesome job, good buddy!

 

ek

 

Can the wheel be recleared? The ones on my 04 are kind of milky and I think they can me much better, but don't want to have to pull then off every month to do a good polish inside and out.

 

I had aluminum wheels with the tires on them and I stripped and polished them with no problems.