Rust pits on rims

Joe W. · Sep 22, 2013

I know this subject has been discussed several times in the past but I just wasn't paying attention. Now I need to know. I'm having a set of running gear rims sandblasted which probably will result in flecks of rust remaining in the pits. Here's a photo of one of the rims. Ignore the galvanized round metal on the hub - that's my solution for keeping the sand from the bearing races that are inside the hub. I've cut those round metal pieces and placed a round piece of innertubing under it on each side of the hub and held them tight with a 1/4" threaded rod. Hope it works. What should I do with the rims prior to priming when I get them back from the sandblaster?

Rod (NH) · Sep 22, 2013

If the sandblasting is done well, there should be NO flecks of rust left in any pits. Assuming that's the case and there are no rust flecks left, I'd recommend priming with two coats of epoxy primer the same day you get them back to prevent any flash rust from appearing. A "bright metal" sandblast leaves the metal in a very raw state and flash rusting can begin right away. Even by touching, moisture from fingerprints can begin the process. If you cannot prime right away, I'd recommend applying some Picklex-20 to protect the metal until such time that you can.

If there ARE rust flecks left, the sandblaster didn't do the job properly and I'd demand the situation be corrected at no additional cost.

Brad_bb · Sep 26, 2013

I agree with all that Rod said. With that said, once in awhile I have to remove rust on a particular spot(spot repair). I may spot blast with a special gun, but sometimes it can leave that black speck in the bottom of the pits. One alternative to remove that is muriatic acid. But you must take all the precautions and protections with it. You don't want to breathe the fumes or get it on your skin or anything else. You also have to neutralize and rinse it properly, and dry it quickly to prevent flash rust. Then it has to be epoxy primed right away. I prefer PPG DPLF epoxy sealer primer.

In your case though, blasting should take care of it if they have a proper industrial sand blaster.

james schneider · Sep 26, 2013

check with some comercial tire dealers. in my area we have one that has a machine a cabinet that uses steele shot to strip rims. two revolutions two minutes and there stripped clean. for about 30 bucks each they will powder coat. looks like cat yellow.

showcrop · Sep 26, 2013

Properly blasted pits will always have some rust left at the bottom, it is just too small to be seen. Epoxy primer will probably encapsulate it and keep it from growing. Even if it does grow it may be ten years until it gets big enough to blister the paint. If you don't care for probably and maybe, hit it with one of the phosphoric acid products to convert whatever little pieces that are left into iron phosphate, and rest easy.

JRSutton · Oct 18, 2013

agreed - this is exactly what we do, and everything has lasted perfectly for the several years we've been doing this.

Sandblast - phosphor wash - epoxy primer

Rust pits on rims

Joe W.

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Rod (NH)

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Brad_bb

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james schneider

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showcrop

Well-known Member

JRSutton

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