Cheap media blaster or pay a local shop to media blast wheels

[CTxK20]

I don't have a blaster, but I have an air compressor and the space to do the blasting. Here are some pictures of the wheels.

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[CTxK20]

I worked on the beads today and got the beads to seal today.

 

[MrMarty51]

I worked on the beads today and got the beads to seal today.

Good job.

 

[CTxK20]

What would be the best way to remove all of the surface rust from the wheels?

 

[Soundmound]

For me, the amount of time I would spend cleaning them up is worth more to me than the cost of blasting them. I'd send them out and use the time elsewhere.

 

[CTxK20]

For me, the amount of time I would spend cleaning them up is worth more to me than the cost of blasting them. I'd send them out and use the time elsewhere.

With the amount of free time I have it would take me more than a month to get all the rust off.

 

[AaronW]

Sadly, no TS stores here, 150 miles to the west is a TS store.
I’ll check them for coal slag, or any type of media compound next time I get over to there.
Several other stores over there too that might have such as that.

Martin:

Where is there a Tractor Supply in MT? I'm down in Dillon. Is it in Billings then?

Aaron

 

[WP29P4A]

I just did this a couple months ago, had same issue, rusty with pitting on the bead area. I blasted them first with heavy grit media, then with fine media to smooth out the finish a bit. Then I went after the imperfections with a side grinder with flap discs to smooth the bead and the damage on the front side of the rim from (Po) Mr Curbie parking by touch. I layed down the primer on the thick side and sanded and primed several times to reduce the depth of the pits, then did the same with the paint. By doing a light grind/sand on the bead, then building up the low spots, it reduced the depth of the pits by about 80%, and they are smooth enough to seal just fine.

It took a full 8 hour day to do the blasting and smoothing of imperfections, then another full day for sanding, priming and painting. Then another day for the center caps and trim rings. It was way more time consuming than I thought. It would have cost far less to pay to have it done. But I did take pride in restoring them to near perfect condition and don't think they would have turned out as nice if I just dropped them off somewhere.

 

[hoagster]

I’ve been getting fine coal slag from tractor supply for $10-$11 a bag in N.E. California. I think it’s called black diamond or something like that. It’s black-ish in color instead of white like what you are using.

I keep garnet in my blast cabinet where it can be recycled, it’s closer to $80-90 for a 3 gallon bucket full.

You are correct on the name "black diamond" make sure you get the fine. the coarse doesn't work in the HF40!

 

[CalSgt]

You are correct on the name "black diamond" make sure you get the fine. the coarse doesn't work in the HF40!

LOL... Yeah I found that out the hard way, gotta get the red colored bags.

 

[CTxK20]

The local blasting and coating shop quoted the cost for media blasting and powder coating at $550. Their cost of only media blasting is $300 for all 4 wheels. The other $250 is the cost of powder coating the wheels.

 

[WP29P4A]

Just for price comparison, might consider getting a price from a place that just does blasting, then consider painting them yourself.

I struggle with THAT kind of math, it sucks when making original wheels look good, costs as much as new wheels. I miss the days of getting all the front suspension and the K member blasted AND powder coated for under $200.00

 

[MrMarty51]

Martin:

Where is there a Tractor Supply in MT? I'm down in Dillon. Is it in Billings then?

Aaron

Yup. Used to be one anyhow.
On Main, headed into the heights, from the Metra northwards.

 

[AaronW]

Yup. Used to be one anyhow.
On Main, headed into the heights, from the Metra northwards.

Thanks, Martin, I'll remember that, in future. With the price of fuel, it pays to be as efficient as possible, living in a state this big. I was out playing some music at a funeral in Circle a couple years ago. That's a long way form Dillon.

Aaron

 

[Camar068]

Often wanted to build a tumbler with a washing machine tub. Basically the tub is mounted to a 4 legged base with springs. Then the motor is connected to the tub with a spring slightly off center. I looked for the video but couldn't find it. The highest cost was the media to put in it.

Google it....post if you find it it.