Steel Wheel Care

[94SRUNNER]

Hello everyone....just dropping by from the 80's forum with a quick question. I searched for this same topic and could not come up with anything.

I currently have a set of the 17" black FJ Cruiser steel wheels on my 80 Series and after 2.5 years and a load of miles the factory paint has seen better days, the paint is gone in spots and is beginning to rust some. I just recently picked up a fresh set with less than 50 miles on them and would like to do something to the new ones to preserve the factory finish longer. Rather than just grabs some clear sealant of the shelf, I thought I would see what you all had to say.

Thanks in advance!

 

[BMThiker]

sand blast and powder coating will last longer.

 

[94SRUNNER]

Yes, yes it will. But that is not an option at the time.

Would a good cleaning and a very light wet sanding, followed by a good quality clear coat do anything to extend the life of the factory finish?

 

[Mtbcoach]

I clear coat would surely help. Yet, the best method is to re-touch chips as they appear. Depending on how much you wheel it and in what type of terrain, you may need to get to it after every trip. I've found that Duplicolor wheel paint lasted very well on mine, I also used some cheaper "tractor" paint my ExPed trailer wheels that look fine after 3 years.

Frankly, I see no way of avoiding it unless you stick to the paved roads...

 

[94SRUNNER]

I am not to worried about the chips, because like you said I can touch them up as needed.

My situation is this, on my current set of factory black steels, the clear coat some how wore off and the factory paint has worn away and I am getting a fair amount of surface rust on them. I am looking for a way to eliminate this on my new set.

 

[Mtbcoach]

My mistake, I didn't pick that up in your original post.

Then, yes, I'd put a coat of clear on them. Scuff them with a "greenie pad", wipe with acetone/alcohol/per-paint wipes, light first coat, wait for it to set, another "good" coat to finish...

 

[94SRUNNER]

Jerry....thanks for the tips! Most appreciated