riot

So I came across a deal I couldn't turn down on a set of del sol VTEC wheels (the fat ones). Considering my sol was on steels for the past few months it was high time I got some alloys.

With that said there was a catch...although the tires have GREAT tread and the wheels have no curbage...they were painted RED. Now...for those that are going for that "JDM-GAB-style" ...thats cool...but its too tacky for me.

I was basically looking for thoughts on how to remove this paint. Since I probably won't be able to get the factory finish again, I was thinking of removing the paint and repainting the face gunmetal, and sanding the lip to leave it "polished". This will ensure that if I ever have new tires put on, the lips won't have chipped paint.

So how do you think I should go about removing the red paint? I'm thinking its going to be a pain in the ***.

-ryan

2000CivEx

Well in my opinion use that aircraft paint stripper , that can be used for valve covers and so on when painting those . I mean it only makes sence , you arent gonna be able to salvage the original factory finish . After stripping it , polish the lips and paint them gunmetal . I have never done anything like this before but thats how I would approach it .

slowdx

sandblast it
but a sandblasting gun if you have a compressor and put some play sand in it and blast away

limegrnxj

i would use aircraft remover, if they didnt sand them before they painted them you should be able to get the factory look back

311

Do not use aircraft paint remover. It will strip the wheel down to the metal. Not the origional color.

Ricey McRicerton

I had to repaint mine recenlty...just sanded it down to begin with with 150 grit.....then 250...polished the lip and repainted them gunmetal (this is on HX rims) and I like it now!
EDIT: to clarify..they were sprayed black before...and I just sanded the lip all the way down...oh yeah...clearcoat them too!


[Modified by Ricey McRicerton, 8:18 PM 3/24/2003]