Aluminum Wheels - Refinishing: Overview
File In Section: 10 - BodyBulletin No.: 53-17-03A
Date: May, 1996
INFORMATION
Subject:
Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
Models:
1991-96 Passenger Cars and Trucks
This bulletin is being revised to delete the 1990 model year and add the 1996 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 53-17-03 (Section 10 - Body).
This bulletin supersedes and cancels all previous service bulletins concerning the refinishing of aluminum wheels. The purpose of this service bulletin is to assist dealerships in repairing the discoloration or surface degradation that has occurred on styled aluminum wheels.
This bulletin provides NEW PROCEDURES AND SPECIFIC MATERIALS for the refinishing of painted aluminum wheels or aluminum wheels with discoloration or surface degradation.
Important:
THE RE-MACHINING OF ALUMINUM WHEELS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. THE RE-CLEAR COATING OF ALUMINUM WHEELS IS NO LONGER RECOMMENDED DUE TO CONCERNS OF REPAIR DURABILITY
The new procedure requires the wheel surface be plastic media blasted to remove old paint or clear coat. CHEMICAL STRIPPERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
Material Required
System 1:
DuPont Products
3939-S Cleaning Solvent
615/616 Etching Primer
URO 5000 Primer Surfacer
IMRON 6000 Basecoat
3440-S IMRON Clear
System 2:
PPG Products
DX533 Aluminum Cleaner
DX503 Aluminum Conditioner
DP Epoxy Primer
Deltron Basecoat (DBC)
Concept 2001 Clear Acrylic Urethane
System 3:
Spies Hecker
Permahyd Silicone Remover 7090
Permahyd 1:1 Primer 4070
Permahyd 2:1 Surfacer 5080
Permahyd Base Coat Series 280/285
Permahyd H.S. Clearcoat 8060
Color Selection
If the wheels being painted were previously clearcoated aluminum, we would recommend using Corsican SILVER WAEQ9283 for a fine "aluminum-like" look or Sparkle SILVER WA9967 for a very bright look. As an option to the customer, you may also use body color. For color selection and verification, refer to your paint manufacturer's color book. On wheels that were previous clearcoated aluminum it is recommended that all four wheels and their center caps be refinished to maintain color uniformity.
Important:
THE PRODUCTS LISTED MUST BE USED AS A SYSTEM. DO NOT MIX OTHER MANUFACTURERS' PRODUCT LINES WITH THE REQUIRED MATERIALS. PRODUCTS LISTED IN THIS BULLETIN HAVE SHOWN THE REQUIRED REPAIR DURABILITY, AND CURRENTLY ARE THE ONLY PAINT SYSTEMS THAT MEET GM SPECIFICATION 4350M-A336.
Procedures
1. Remove wheels from vehicle. Tires may remain mounted on wheels.
2. Remove balance weights and mark their location on tire.
3. Wipe excess grease, etc. from wheels with wax and grease remover.
4. Have wheels plastic media blasted to remove clearcoat. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON MEDIA BLASTING IN YOUR AREA, CALL US TECHNOLOGIES INC., CONTACT DAVE ROSENBURG AT 1-800-634-9185.
Caution:
IT IS MANDATORY THAT ADEQUATE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION BE WORN. EXAMPLES OF SUCH PROTECTION ARE: AIR LINE RESPIRATORS WITH FULL HOOD OR HALF MASK. IF NOT AVAILABLE, USE A VAPOR/PARTICULATE RESPIRATOR THAT RESPIRATOR MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDS AS EFFECTIVE FOR ISOCYANATE VAPOR AND MISTS (UNLESS LOCAL REGULATIONS PREVAIL).
5. Painting Process
a. Refer to Attachments 1-3 for each System's individual formula and process.
b. After following the specific System's individual formula and process, follow these steps:
6. Unmask wheels.
7. Clean all wheel mounting surface of any corrosion, overspray, or dirt.
8. Install new coated balance weights, at marked locations.
9. Replace wheels on vehicle.
10. USE A TORQUE STICK ON AN IMPACT WRENCH, OR A TORQUE WRENCH TO CONSISTENTLY AND UNIFORMLY FASTEN THE WHEEL TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE STAR PATTERN MUST BE FOLLOWED.
Important:
TORQUE STICKS MUST BE USED ANY TIME AN IMPACT WRENCH IS USED TO TIGHTEN WHEEL NUTS.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use as shown.