polishing durabright wheels

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Toyman, Mar 17, 2010.

  1. Toyman

    Toyman Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2009
    Central MO.
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    Can anyone give advice on how to REMOVE durabright coating on Alcoa wheels. Just got a 2007 Pete with durabrights that have been burned with acid. The finish looks like a melted sticker and has some streaks.
     
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  3. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    Stonewall, LA.
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    Need to take them and in and have them machine cut. There are several stage's to cutting rim's and tanks to a brilliant shine by removing a layer of metal. Last time I knew it was a bit expensive charging by the wheel. That's the only thing I can suggest. Is the surface smooth or feel like it has small ridges?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwat_KFz5Fg
     
  4. Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    I'm not sure you can since the "durabrite" wheels aren't coated, the whole wheel is treated. After I got done beating whoever hit them with acid I'd email Alcoa or call (800.242.9898) before I paid to have a wheel machine polished. There's a lot of places that can machine polish them if Alcoa says that will work, some can do it without removing the tires. VIS-Polish machines has a link to find a place near you. (on the left about 1/2 way down)

    Hand polishing a small spot did nothing?
     
  5. Toyman

    Toyman Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2009
    Central MO.
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    I got the # for Alcoa today but haven't called them yet. The small "bare" streaks will polish out by hand but it's where the finish or coating is already burned off. Not sure how to remove the orange peel or bubbles that are left behind. As far as kicking however did it, that will never happen since the boss just bought 3 of the same trucks and got new Michelin XDN2 tires because the wheels were in bad shape. Just trying to salvage them if possible even if they have to be machine cut but would like to try with buffer and homemade rouge mixture.
     
  6. blackw900

    blackw900 The Grandfather of Flatbed

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    The wheels have to be sanded (It is best done by machine)and then they will polish right out.
    Durabrite wheels are OK when they are new but when they start to look bad sanding and polishing is your only option.
     
  7. power freak

    power freak Light Load Member

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    Apr 23, 2009
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    Put aircraft paint remover on them and blast it off with a pressure washer have done it a few times before to salvage damaged wheels
     
    The Challenger Thanks this.
  8. Polarbear

    Polarbear Light Load Member

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  9. Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    You have done this to "DURABRITE" wheels? I've done what you described to clear coated wheels but I can't imagine it working with durabrites.:smt017
     
  10. power freak

    power freak Light Load Member

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    Yes i have done this to durabright wheels it is just a coating. On some of my trucks on the drive axles in on/off road apps they are getting dull from the dirt basicly sand blasting them.
     
    Toyman Thanks this.
  11. Les2

    Les2 Road Train Member

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    I thought nothing would take the shine away from the durabright wheels? I know thats what alcoa says...:biggrin_2552:
    Glad I went with the old style on my trailer.
     
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