Datsun240ZGuy
Datsun240ZGuy MegaDork
3/13/25 10:58 p.m.

I've got four rusty 240Z steel wheels that need sandblasting - most guys around here quote $100+ to blast and powder coat each wheel.  The back sides are rusty.

Any easier way?

 

Stueck0514
Stueck0514 New Reader
3/14/25 7:40 a.m.

Had one and used walnut shell since I had no cabinet and did it outside. Worked OK, it just dumps the crushed shell. Worth the money for simple DIY but it IS just $35, I am sure the more expensive brands are "tuned" to use less material to do the job but I didn't mind it. Only used it twice.

84FSP
84FSP PowerDork
3/14/25 8:47 a.m.

Like the idea of them for minimal jobs.  I wonder if baking soda as a media is aggressive enough as you could just wash it away after.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
3/14/25 9:11 a.m.

In reply to 84FSP :

Isn't soda blasting more for dirt removal than for rust removal? Rust probably needs something more aggressive. 

Datsun240ZGuy
Datsun240ZGuy MegaDork
3/14/25 9:13 a.m.

Maybe get the liquid stuff and soak for a week?

Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
3/14/25 5:48 p.m.

I had good luck with that exact rig. I got the finer media from Tractor Supply. Worked great on Subaru brake calipers. Might be brother to use the more aggressive media on rusty steel.

Its messy as hell. Try to be up wind and lay down a tarp to catch spills.

If you are ever up north, in the McHenry area, you're more than welcome to borrow mine, or drag the wheels with you, and we can blast em some weekend.

MiniDave
MiniDave Dork
3/15/25 5:17 p.m.

Wheels take a LOT of work to get them clean and ready for paint/powdercoat, but that's the way I'd go. Drop them off at the coater's and pick them up all done in a week or so. 

californiamilleghia
californiamilleghia UberDork
3/15/25 5:41 p.m.

I asked my chrome plater who he used to sand blast and used his guy , 

are you going to powder coat the rims or just paint them ?

 

Datsun240ZGuy
Datsun240ZGuy MegaDork
3/15/25 5:52 p.m.

In reply to californiamilleghia :

The plan was to paint the rims - after A LOT of thought I'm going to throw a set of Datsun Iron Cross wheels on the car and save the STEEL wheels since they carry a 1971 build date.  I have 16 brand new Datsun lug nuts to use with the aluminum wheels.
 

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