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Re: Info wanted on painting aluminum wheels

To: MHKitchen@aol.com, morgans@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Info wanted on painting aluminum wheels
From: DGreimel@aol.com
Date: Fri, 3 Sep 1999 06:42:25 EDT
Myles.  Standard aircraft practice is to use zinc chromate primer.  I have 
had good success with something caller Vari-Prime from DuPont.  I think the 
numbers are 1600S and 1601S.  It is two part.  My understanding is that it is 
basically zinc-chromate and phosphoric acid combined to produce a self 
etching primer rather than use a separate etching process.  It sticks well to 
steel that is less than rust free too.  I have used it on everyting from 
trailer chassis to a BMW hood as well as wheels.  There companies have 
comparable products.  Any decent auto body supplier or body shop should be 
able to offer assistance.
One problem though ---- it is very expensive.  I typically buy one gallon of 
paint and one gallon of converter, about 45 and 75 $ nets 2 gallons.Come to 
think of it,  urothane primer is about $225 per 2 gallons so maybe the Vari 
Prime is actually cheap.  DuPont also sells a "wheel silver" paint and a 
clear coat.  I think you could do it all for about $100 per wheel but then 
you will have lots of paint left over.  I had to spend $80 to get the stuff 
for two wheels last fall and I already had the primer.
You will also need (and want) a good respirator.  Some of this stuff is 
deadly and smells awful to boot.  Come to think of it, you live in CA and 
probably can`t buy any of it anyway.  Take them to a body shop.
Good Luck
Don

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