Wheel refurbishment

Hi folks,
While we are off the road for a while I thought I would investigate ways to remedy some cosmetic issues with my bike. R1200GSA 2008 MU

The alloy hubs on the spoked wheels are quite badly corroded.
Any tips for repair or refurbishment?

Also the rims (black) are quite dull and lifeless.

Do I need to take to a specialist and have the wheel split and refurbed? Is there an easier way?

Thanks
Alwyn


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Hey weealyn If you want a concours finish the only way is to remove the spokes and get the rim and hubs powder coated or sprayed. I didn't want to go to that expense so I refurbished my wheels intact . I spent a good deal of time splitting drinking straws and putting them around each spoke. I masked the rim and removed all loose flaking paint from the hub and sprayed it first. When it was dry I masked it and then sprayed the hubs . If you take your time you can do a good job hope this helps.
Cheers
Dub 24

dub 24 said:

Hey weealyn If you want a concours finish the only way is to remove the spokes and get the rim and hubs powder coated or sprayed. I didn't want to go to that expense so I refurbished my wheels intact . I spent a good deal of time splitting drinking straws and putting them around each spoke. I masked the rim and removed all loose flaking paint from the hub and sprayed it first. When it was dry I masked it and then sprayed the hubs . If you take your time you can do a good job hope this helps.
Cheers
Dub 24

Click to expand...

Thanks Dub24 - the drinking straw for masking is a great idea -

nothing on the bike is concours so i think the home attempt will be the option i go for.

any recommendations out there on paint/primer/corrosion treatments for alloy?

thanks again

alwyn

Hey Alwyn
No problem glad to be of help. I used the Pro XL range of primers etc they are far superior to anything else. I know your'e a bit away from Dublin but it might be worth a phone call to Vinny byrne's paint down in Dublin they are very knowledgeable and helpful over the phone.

I would recommend Zinc 182 anti rust if you have any rust to kill, then Pro XL etch primer and if you have any small pitting in the metal get a can of Pro XL high build primer and layer a couple of light coats over the pitting remember it will only fill pitting up to about 2mm anything deeper you need to get a filler again vinny byrnes will advise on the particular one as the name escapes me at the minute.

There is no need to key the etch primer but the build primer will need a key with 1500 or 2000 grit paper afterwards wipe the surfaces down with Antisil 770 paint prep and cleaner with a lint free cloth it evaporates very quickly and wear latex gloves throughout the whole process to avoid containment from your hands.

Vinny Byrnes do a range of 2k paint in aerosol cans it's basically proper industrial paint as opposed to the thinned 1k you buy in Halfords , with the 2k you pull a ring on the bottom of the can which activates the hardener and then shake the can for 2 mins and your good to go spraying light coats every 15 mins till you achieve the finish you require also remember the can has only a 8hr shelf life and then it's fu**ed as the hardener goes off.

Wait 24 hrs and again key with 2000 grit till the paint is dull, clean with antisil and then spray with 2k clear lacquer.

I have uploaded some pic of what I started with.

final finish it takes a bit time and effort but is worth it and saves you a fortune

Superb - it really is all in the prep isnt it.

mine are in pretty similar state to yours, i was worrying about the spoke bolts and masking those, but saw you painted them too - makes sense.

My priority really is to stall the corrosion and keep the wheel safe for as long as possible rather than a perfect finish.

thank you again.

alwyn

I’m about to tackle this job too, so a very timely tip about using the straws for masking the spokes. Thanks a mill, Dub24

No panic glenboy if you need any thing just shout