C2 aftermarket knock-offs

[Jean C.]

My '64 has aftermarket k/o's that were on it when I purchased the car. They are not the correct finish for a '64...the vanes have what I assume to be black powder coat on their side surfaces. Anyone have any experience with removing this finish to get back to bare aluminum vanes like the '64's should have? Thanks.
Charlie Cadenhead
#40193

[Tom P.]

Re: C2 aftermarket knock-offs

I did this job years ago on a set of repro knockoffs and it turned into a major operation!!

Nothing would touch the (powdercoat?) between the vanes except bead blasting. So we heavy taped to protect the outer polished rim surface and then blasted. And blasted and blasted. Took forever in order to be careful.

But after this operation the wheels still had to go to a machine shop to have the outer surface of the vanes re-machined to give the original surface and edge.

The end result was what I wanted but it was a lot of work and cost and I am not sure that I would do it again!!

Tom Parkinson #5280

[Dave Suesz]

[Craig S.]

Re: C2 aftermarket knock-offs

Charlie - the powdercoat is a major job to remove, it is very tough and resilient to blast off. I would check on the Eastwood website, they have powder coat systems there, and may have a special chemical stripper. Check to make sure it will not harm the finish itself with them before purchasing. This is also a difficult and tight area between the fins, so it may not be worth the hassle, you may just want to sell the 65/66 wheels and buy 63/64 wheels...Craig

[Jean C.]

C2 aftermarket knock-offs--- Thanks guys

Thanks to everyone for their input to my decision process. Believe I will run with the 65-66 sytle k/o's as they are and perhaps purchase a set of correct steel wheels and wheel covers. It appears that removing the powder coat is a hassle and painting over the powder coat with something like "Aluma-blast" would create yet another continuing maintenance item.

Best regards,
Charlie