Cast wheel refinishing

[ken farr]

Hello All:

   I have a B1100 Breva with cast wheels.  They are factory black finish, can this be stripped off ?  If so, what are the pros/cons of then going with painted spokes and polished "rims" ?

Thank you in advance:

kjf

[bmc5733946]

I just had a pair of Breva 750 rims powder coated. The owner of that shop said never again. It was the second pair of Guzzi wheels he powder coated for me. He had trouble cooking the oil out of them. That seems to be a standard for Guzzi cast wheels. It seems the alloy has oil included in the metal when cast. The other set were older SP five spoke wheels that he had the same problem with. Nothing to do with your situation but maybe someone else could use the info. I really could have just painted them and will next time.

Brian

[blackcat]

"It seems the alloy has oil included in the metal when cast."

Wow, never heard of this but I know nothing about casting metal.

[scra99tch]

Also interested to hear what others say.  My 1980 SP1000 is a little worse for wear and the finish is peeling off.  Are factory rims Magnesium or Aluminum?

[AJ Huff]

"It seems the alloy has oil included in the metal when cast."

Wow, never heard of this but I know nothing about casting metal.

No such thing. And I've poured a lot of aluminum.

-AJ

[SIR REAL ED]

"It seems the alloy has oil included in the metal when cast."

Wow, never heard of this but I know nothing about casting metal.

Flung off chain lube maybe?

[Dirk_S]

Tells ya what to do—get 2 gallons of oven cleaner, a couple beers, and go to town on that powder coat while rocking to Pavarotti’s cover of “Free Bird”. Deterioration to the aluminum from the oven cleaner won’t matter because you’re painting over it.

<jokes> </jokes>

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Also interested to hear what others say.  My 1980 SP1000 is a little worse for wear and the finish is peeling off.  Are factory rims Magnesium or Aluminum?

Not magnesium.

FWIW: Mark @ Moto Guzzi Classics uses "SEM 39283 Lite Titanium Bumper Coater Aerosol" to paint Guzzi cast alloys. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HB0LHO

[bmc5733946]

I know little about cast aluminum or any other casting processes and was repeating what the technician told me. It does seem a bit ridiculous to me now. I just know he had problems. Definitely not from a chain driven bike. One big block Guzzi and one small block Guzzi. I just know that in the future I will be painting wheels to change their color.

Brian

[SIR REAL ED]

I know little about cast aluminum or any other casting processes and was repeating what the technician told me. It does seem a bit ridiculous to me now. I just know he had problems. Definitely not from a chain driven bike. One big block Guzzi and one small block Guzzi. I just know that in the future I will be painting wheels to change their color.

Brian

Very strange indeed.  I have had Suzuki cast wheels powder coated with no problems whatsoever.

Personally, I would consult another powder coating shop rather than put much stock in what you were told.

While powder coating is very durable, the plus side of paint is it is very easy to touch up.

Good luck!

[paulbricey]

My V65 Florida wheels were badly corroded (& tyres had to be cut off them) after 20 years stored in the rain. I stripped the paint (lots of corrosion under the paint) & instead of powder coating I decided to just have them Vapour blasted before fitting new bearings & tyres. They are easy to keep clean, no paint to flake or ding, don't seem to corrode (3 years so far) & I actually prefer the 'naked' metal look.