Sandblasting mags?

[d9103365]

How can i sandblast the pockets on my magnum 500 wheels without damaging the finish on the spokes?

 

[Photon440]

Mask it off if you don't want it touched. Do an online search for 'sandblasting tape' and you'll get lots of hits. This tape is available in various thicknesses and used for stencils on glass and things like that. If you get the thick rubberized tape you should be good.

 

[duke51]

They are road wheels, not magnum 500's.

 

[d9103365]

The masking tape is a good option...is there a certain sandblast media I could use that would not damage the desirable finish but still do the job without masking?

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I always wondered why I kept seeing "road wheels" instead of magnum wheels in the old brochures I've looked at. Wasn't sure what they meant...now I know. thanks Duke.

They are road wheels, not magnum 500's.

 

[Photon440]

Here's the difference between Magnum 500 and Road Wheels. Not much.
http://www.specialtywheel.com/product-showcase/mopar.html

 

[AMX364]

So for Mopar the difference is the trim ring is used on the road wheel. On Ford they called both ring trimmed and chromed wheels Magnum 500's.

 

[Donny]

'Sand Blasting' might not be completely correct in describing what this process is, or does. Your Media Blaster 'should' know what your end state is for these wheels, and tailor the blasting media to that end objective. Often, these wheels after the blasting process can be Powder Coated, in multiple colors to replicate the original and/or desired finish(es). So, having these wheels ready for this Powder coating process they will need to be gently blasted with a soft media vs the hard sand which is only good as an impact cleaner at high PSI, whereas what I use I can run much lower PSI, and still get the desired finish for your end state either with Paint, Polishing, or Powder coating. It all boils down to your Blaster guy asking you and talking to you about this process. Good luck!

 

[d9103365]

Boy am i frustrated. I post a simple and direct question and i get Useless comments about the wheels and a BS answer from the pro. ****.

 

[kb67mopar]

Just do the obvious and tape it off. I have used masking tape and as long as you aren't blasting at it... But I am no pro and I aint after perfect. I'd say for extra protection double it up and then go to town. or better yet hand sand the areas prime and paint and be done.

 

[Donny]

Sorry it was a BS answer. Here's your answer, you won't have luck sandblasting those wheels, tape will not work.

 

[kb67mopar]

I'll disagree there a bit Donny. If he is using a cheap setup like I have and inexpensive blast media from Menards with a max pressure of around 90-100 psi...he won't kill the tape before he knocks off the rust and paint scale. Now if he has a pro-gun like yours and good media I am sure you are correct. But for what he is doing this would work...I've done it myself.

 

[66 coronet]

bead blast them, that's what I did with mine.

 

[d9103365]

So I thought I'd post an update to this thread. Nothing aggravate me more when I find a thread about a problem I'm interested in and it has no resolution. So for those who want closure...here it is. I went ahead with the suggestion to tape mask the chrome parts and then sandblast. It worked out great. I then primed, sanded, and used some VHT satin black wheel paint to paint them..covered by a VHT wheel clear. I'll upload pics when I can...

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I should add that I also polished my center caps...added new center appliqués...and wrapped them in new BFG rubber!!

Well, I should also add yet again that I bought new mcguard chrome lug nuts too. My originals were tired and some had the chrome peeling off. That said, the originals are very hard to find and OEM sets cost a fortune...anyone want them? I guess someone here could fix them up if they wanted them.

I got the ultimate comment from my neighbor today "I like those NEW wheels you put on!"

 

[d9103365]

For those interested...I got a deal on the rubber too....BFG has a winter sale going on with these tires...which doesn't happen often with the radial TAs.

 

[KnoGood]

I have used black electrical tape to mask areas on mag wheels before sandblasting with success. used an exacto knife to get the surfaces straight. the sand just bounces off the tape.