My First ZOOK!

I had bought rims that looked quite similar and i repaired them myself. I think important was to use rust converter especially between the outer rim and the inner rim. Otherwise rust might reappear soon.

Morning all,

A quick update for the forum:

The wheels have returned from the shot blasting shop, I'm pleased with the way they have turned out. As I've said before, IMO shot blasting is the best possible surface finish prior to any sort of plating/coating/paint.


After the wheels were de-greased using an alkali based degreaser, I used a phosphoric acid based prep spray (POR-15 metal prep) to etch/neutralise the steel. This step is probably overkill as I'm using an etching primer, but I had the metal prep already so why not :whistle: **beware using this stuff, it's nasty..**


Finally this morning I got the first two wheels painted in BUZZWELD RCP rust inhibiting primer, sadly I need to pop back to mr Buzzweld to purchase another two tins to finish the other steelies.



More to come in the up and coming few days..... :silly:

UPDATE:

All four steel wheels are now prepped and ready for Raptor coating, I'll let them sit in the warm for 24 hours before coating them.

Taking the advice from some of you (RainerK) who highlighted the steel wheel design weak-point (the crevice where the two sections of wheel join) I came up with a solution that I hope should prevent any further rust ingress long-term.

Whilst painting it was almost impossible to get a decent layer of paint in the crevice without ruining the finish of your adjacent surfaces, so I settled on the use of 'Bilt Hamber Hydrate 80' which is essentially a SBR coating/sealant with rust converter additives. I had this lying around in the garage from previous projects, the stuff lasts years. Because it has a consistency of water but dries very hard and is fully over paintable, I was able to brush this into the crevices forming a nice hidden seal. Much neater than trying to force seam sealant in that gap IMO.

Results Pre-Raptor, 2 x coats of Buzzweld RCP & Sealer brushed into crevices:

A job done well

I'd just clear those and run them like that, they look cool! Yes I am aware I'm odd.

UPDATE:

Wheels were raptor coated today, I'm really chuffed with the outcome. I'm sure it's not everyones 'cup of tea' but that doesn't really matter. Upol Raptor Aerosol's are a joy to work with, just make sure you shake them correctly and for the specified amount of time. Also hold the aerosol can at chest height and 'dust the coats on' to get the best results.

The Insides of the wheels are yet to be painted, but the next time you see an update will be when the wheels get wrapped in BFG K02 rubber

Happy to answer any questions people may have!!