Project HRE: Strippers Welcome

Discussion in 'Car Builds, Projects, Idea's Experiments' started by PGT, Aug 12, 2009.

  1. PGT

    PGT Wheel Whore

    May 4, 2009
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    Now that I have your attention, we'll get down to bidness :cornut:

    I did some horse-trading with Nathan last summer and he kindly assisted me with getting a set of HRE C20's refinished by WheelsAmerica in Dallas, TX. After sending specific directions, the shop FINALLY got the order correct on the third try. 60% gloss black centers (satin finish) and gloss Chili Red color matched lips/barrels. A pic on my MINI:

    [​IMG]

    Now, I knew these were unique and not everybody's taste. I didn't realize how hard it would be to sell them. Even for nearly half of what they cost me last summer. I put them up on eBay a few weeks back and was contacted by a buyer. We worked something out and I'm refinishing them to his specs.

    The patient(s) after having Mach V Motorsports remove the tires:
    [​IMG]

    First step - unbolt the centers from the lips. The titanium bolts are T-45's while the backside nuts :)lol:) were 12mm. Well, 95 of the 96 were...the other was 13mm :eek:ut: I'm not sure if this was HRE's issue or if WheelsAmerica replace the nut while doing the work last summer. Whichever the case, they are normal flange nuts you'd find at any auto parts store.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Next up, stack all the centers safely:
    [​IMG]

    I moved all four barrels out to the driveway, in the shade, and sprayed down the concrete with water. I used a chemical stripper....aircraft paint remover (Tar-Something brand). $8/can x 3 needed.

    Here's shortly after spraying:
    [​IMG]

    About 3-4 minutes in:
    [​IMG]

    About ten minutes later, after going over with a 3M Bondo spatula (to remove anything not bubbled off). This is one coat of stripper from one can....
    [​IMG]

    It took two more cans and 3-4 applications to get every last bit of paint off, inside, outside, underneath:
    [​IMG]

    After thoroughly washing the barrels, I set a center in to get an idea of how they'll look when done:

    [​IMG]
     
  2. PGT

    PGT Wheel Whore

    May 4, 2009
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    Next step - I'm ordering an aluminum polishing kit from Eastwood.com tonight. I'll spend some time with the barrels this weekend shining them up - they were buffed with emery cloth as part of being prepped for paint. Lots of shine but they need a little TLC before being clearcoated.

    Once that's done, I'll have the tires remounted. The new owner sent me TPMS modules to install. The set is going on an '09 MCS. I believe it's black with a white roof. Should look sweet I think.
     
  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    This was a hard set of wheels to let go...but I really do like the VS-XX I got in trade. Looking forward to seeing them after polishing.

    Please tell the new owner to stop by....
     
  4. PGT

    PGT Wheel Whore

    May 4, 2009
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    nobody has anything to say, good or bad? :huh:
     
  5. Ernesto

    Ernesto Club Coordinator

    May 16, 2009
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    I liked the "before" color better, but the "afters" are good also..
     
  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    Before the Chili Red/Black finished those same wheels lived with me.

    See the WheelFinder entry for their "OEM" look
     
  7. Nitrominis

    Nitrominis Banned

    May 9, 2009
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    #7 Nitrominis, Aug 14, 2009
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2009
    **
     
  8. PGT

    PGT Wheel Whore

    May 4, 2009
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    and they're done. polished, clearcoated, re-assembled and packaged and shipped. Only took nine months to find a buyer but they'll be living in the PNW now with an owner who'll appreciate them.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  9. howsoonisnow1985

    howsoonisnow1985 New Member

    Aug 8, 2009
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    Wow nice work, I am currently removing all paint (Teflon Black) off a set of Motegi Traklites 2.0 it sure is a PITA though. I got 3 of them completely done, 1 to go. Tell new owner to post pics installed.
     
  10. Rixter

    Rixter Well-Known Member

    Jun 14, 2009
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    I much prefer the new and improved version over the 'red-version'. Nice work, and nice wheels!
     
  11. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    The Black Center - Polished Rim looks incredible!!

    Can't wait to see them on the car.
     
  12. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

    Jun 11, 2009
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    Woodside, CA, up in the hills and trees.
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    That's a lot of work!

    I too like the black/silver. Less paint = less weight!

    Matt
     
  13. PGT

    PGT Wheel Whore

    May 4, 2009
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    are you using a chemical stripper?
     
  14. old81

    old81 Club Coordinator
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    May 4, 2009
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    Very nicely done. On your car the orginals in red/black looked super.

    The new owner should post up some pictures of the refinished wheels on his/her MINI. :)

    Only 9 months for special wheels is not bad. I finally gave away a set of almost new run-flats. :D
     
  15. 05vertible

    05vertible New Member

    Aug 22, 2009
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    PGT
    The finished wheels look great! I have a couple of quick questions...
    1) The EASTWOOD Kit you got...was that for curb rash and/or nicks?
    2) The next post says that after the polishing...they were "clearcoated..." is this the same process one would do to a set of webspokes? Did wheels america clearcoat them for you? thx
     
  16. PGT

    PGT Wheel Whore

    May 4, 2009
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    the lips were scuffed up for paint adhesion so they needed to be polished again. I clearcoated them myself
     
  17. 05vertible

    05vertible New Member

    Aug 22, 2009
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    Thanks for your helpful info....I'm tempted to repolish the outer edge of my webspokes but I don't want to remove them from the barrels. There is literally one 1/2'' spot on each wheel where the tpms sensors were removed.
    How is the clearcoat purchased? Is it in a spray can or does one need a spray gun? thx again
     
  18. PGT

    PGT Wheel Whore

    May 4, 2009
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    spray can - got it from eastwood.com - their 'Diamond Clear' brand. I also got a can of their 'PRE' cleaner....you'd be surprised what comes off before you paint.
     
  19. howsoonisnow1985

    howsoonisnow1985 New Member

    Aug 8, 2009
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    The first go round I used StripKleen Aircraft remover, worked great. Then after I ran out no shops had it anymore and used less stronger MarHyde aircraft stripper that sucks.
     
  20. 05vertible

    05vertible New Member

    Aug 22, 2009
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    I am so tempted to try to polish and reclear the 1/2'' spot on my webspokes with your process...but I probably will just take it to a wheel refinisher.
     

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