magnesium wheels??

i just gl*** beaded my magnesium american wheels and scotchbrited the out side lip... i know the center will go back to be grey but is there a way accelerate the corroding process?????

i had to gl***bead them to get the salt spray off them from them sitting for over 20 years...

thanks, rich

 

I know when we machine mag in our shop and use coolant in the process the parts turn black almost instantly.Im thinkin the clorine in it helps the process.Burl.

 

yeah i was think viniger and water... i could go rob some coolant out the mazak...

 

I don't understand why? Its corrosion, its damaging the wheel, If you must have them like that let time do its thing.
Doc.

 

juniorsrodshop ... What "look" is it that you are going for with these rims? (obviously not polished) ... and in what time-frame do you need the centers to return to "grey"? ... I'm thinking they will oxidize in one or two weeks if left out in the open Hew Hampshire air.

 

yeah they usually flash pretty quick up here im putting them in on the car for the alter boys show saturday... im probly just going to mist some water on them ever day in the morning from now till then i just want them to darken up they look like aluminium now...

 

graphite... it'll protect and give you a nice ****ty oxidised look

 

That's a new spin an old question. I doubt that was salt spray, more likely magnesium "rust". Anyway, polish them up to a mirror shine. They'll start looking bad in a day or so with no extra effort.

 

First, Gl*** Bead the wheel completely so you will have an even finish!

Then apply some "Eagle One...Mag Wheel Cleaner" to a small area of the wheel as an experiment!

Spray a little Cleaner on the small area and let it sit for 60 seconds...then hit the area with a little water!

If you like the tint...Re- Gl*** Bead the affected area of the wheel...and then do the whole wheel the same way!

If you want it lighter...leave the Cleaner on the wheel for a little less time!

If you want it darker...leave the Cleaner on the wheel for little more time!

But Remember, the Acid in the Wheel Cleaner is speeding up the process of turning the wheel from Magnesium...to Magnesium Oxide...so take care to not leave the Cleaner on too long!

 

Hey Greg, I don't know if you remember me, but I sold you a pair of 15x4 5 spokes about 8 years ago. They were mint and even had an original mylar "American Magnesium" sticker still on them. Anyway, nice to see you on here!

 

Hey Rich, what is the intended purpose of these wheels after you force the corrosion and subject these exposed magnesium wheels to vinegar and water? Actually driving, or just for show? Here's why I ask:

FWIW, a previous job of mine was at an aftermarket wheel company as a designer. The company's owner is an engineer who told me to be careful with old magnesium wheels. They corrode from the inside out! You won't see how bad they are internally and could be a ticking time bomb. Magnesium wheels should be sealed as to not let water in them to corrode them. (let alone, purposefully trying to corrode them and subjecting them to water).

Just my .02

 

Yep. Intergrannular corrosion. The (more effective) way to protect the wheel after cleaning is with a chromate-pickle solution, then applying an organic coating. They actually look pretty neat with the chrome/pickle, absent the paint. The immediat 'tarnish' after thouroughly cleaning a magnesium alloy casting is the initial step of corrosion. Untreated, it will progress, that progress depending on conditions.

http://www.finishing.com/faqs/magnesium.html

 

Check out this informative link, and jump directly to the bottom of the page for Magnesium info: http://7faq.com/owbase/ow.asp?GoodEngineeringPractice/Corrosion

A couple of quotes: "The prompt and complete correction of the coating failure is imperative if serious structural damage is to be avoided."

"Magnesium castings, in general, are porous. When attack occurs on a casting, the earliest practical treatment is required to prevent dangerous corrosive penetration. Engine cases in salt water can develop "moth holes" and complete penetration overnight."

And what 29nash said.

 

i did the same on my halibrand spindle mounts,i used wire wheel cleaner after,they turned a dark gray,first they turn white then hose them off,,,

 

Here is a tech post I did on this:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=247870&showall=1

I dont necessarily agree that the dark aged color is really "corrosion". Some of my magnesium wheels are very smooth, with no pitting and very very dark from naturally aging.