The Cal-look Lounge

Sorry, I know there are a number of topics on EMPI split rims but I have a number of questions relating to there restoration.

My UK 67 is currently going through restoration I will start a in the workshop topic on this later but for the min I have included a bug selecta of how it will look below.

(http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp47/mintbug/67Bug.png)

However whilst I have the main body of the restoration in hand I am a little concerned about my Spider Mags. Bought a while ago I have not checked on them in a while and have notices slight oxidization on the rear.

(http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp47/mintbug/P2010005.jpg)

(http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp47/mintbug/P2010007.jpg)

(http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/pp47/mintbug/P2010001.jpg)

What is the best way to deal with this? it is mainly concentrated between the spokes. Also as I intend to paint them would the best thing to use after cleaned be etch primer?

Once painted in top coat which will be gold do they need to be lacquered? Being split rims I'm aware you need to use o-rings to seal them where do you get these from any pics? Similarly I have had the inserts machined however are there any lugs which can be obtained easily other than those produced specifically for spider mags?

Also does anyone know a company in the UK who can fit tyres to my wheels and had experience of doing so. Many thanks in advance Alex


Sorry for all the questions but wheel restoration seems to be a mine field ::) ;D with regards to the rear portion of the wheel originally were these painted if so what was the original finish was it black for instance and with gold front halves would the rears be best gold? 

Thanks again Alex

they never made gold wheels, it was mag finish.  My advice is take them to jon Abbot and get him to sort them.  I did used to have o rings, not sure if i still have some in the garage, I might take a look at the weekend and let you know.

Cheers Lids if you would that would be awesome. The wheels actually came from Java so that could be the way forwards I just want to get them sealed to stop anyfurther oxidation really. I like the original finish but with the dark maroon paint gold would just set it of nicely.

Cheers Alex

      In the past I have glass bead the wheels and they look like new. But do not sand blast them to rough of finish and it will damage them. The glass bead gives it a nicer finish.

      Frenchy

Thanks Frenchy I will look into the blasting the oxidation is only minor at the min but will check the costs out on that one, once cleaned would a coat of primer be the best thing to stop the process beginning again? The British climate is not kind.

Regards
Alex

If you have any welding supply stores in your area! Call and ask if they have anything for cleaning alum before welding, I get this stuff from mine and put it in plastic tub and works great for cleaning the oxidation off. Its a type of acid and deluted with water.

Rite thanks for that Danny that sounds even more promising as I can do that at home and possibly a great deal cheaper. Thanks again Alex

one thing to remember - Primer absorbs water! - I would get them painted asap, Polish the rim/lip first then get them painted  :)

rite i hadnt even thought of that the lips have already been given a polish so will look into a cleaning solution this weekend prime and paint straight away. Thanks for all the advice

it can be different with your wheels, but i fitted the rubber seals and they still leaked air and went flat within a week. so my suggestion is to use inner tubes.

and if you go to a shop, just tell them to not even try to fit the tyres without taking them apart. yes innertubes can get pinched, but it is how it works... alas

as for the oxidation that is because of the aluminium and magnesium and it is indeed blasted off and what Danny suggests must work as well. if they are painted with a good quality/ good covering paint the oxidation will stop. but be prepared to clean them all the time if you want to keep them shiney.
i cleaned mine for hours the day prior to a photoshoot and the day itself i recleaned them twice...

Hi Nicolas thanks for the info I have just been to the garage and started to clean a wheel on the back as Danny suggested and it is working a treat. Your 8's are painted gold am I correct on the Fastback? If so could you tell me if the rear section of your wheels was painted and if not where the gold went upto, pictures would be amazing if you have them. Kind Regards Alex

 ;)

Wow what a car!!!!! I love the shade of gold its perfect. Thanks for the pic Speedwell

Nicolas is the Man when it come to Empi 8's  ;)

As I see, truely an awsome car

Yeah its OK I guess  ;) :) :-*