Clearcoated Aluminum, Beadlocks, and TIG Welding

[Allen]

Kickin' around the idea of having some aluminum rims beadlocked by Champion.

I'm concerned however about heat damaging the clearcoat finish.....

I understand the heat from TIG is extremely localized, so are my concerns unfounded?

Anyone ever had their own clearcoated aluminum rims beadlocked?

Allen

[TJRON]

Now how can you polish up those purty wheels with clear coat on them?

I'm pretty sure clear coat is nothing but laquer you can by in a spray can. Deft Wood Finish is one brand.
If laquer thinner takes it off, it's plain laquer. You could try an experiment on an unexposed place to see.

Originally posted by Allen
I understand the heat from TIG is extremely localized, so are my concerns unfounded?

Anyone ever had their own clearcoated aluminum rims beadlocked?

The rings are welded with an automated wire feed welder.
I had a set done for someone that were painted and there was little efect on the paint from welding.
Garry

[Allen]

Originally posted by ghall
The rings are welded with an automated wire feed welder.
I had a set done for someone that were painted and there was little efect on the paint from welding.
Garry

Could you be a little more descriptive?

Was this done by Champion?

When you say wire feed, do you mean MIG? Or was it an automated TIG process? When TIG is done with a robot or automatically, the filler rod is fed in by machine, sometimes leading to the confusion that it's a wire feed process when in fact it's not.

Also, "little effect"? Does that mean none, very little, what?

Thanks,

Allen

Originally posted by Allen
Could you be a little more descriptive?

Was this done by Champion?

Yes

[i]
When you say wire feed, do you mean MIG?

Yes

[i]
Or was it an automated TIG process?

No

[i]
When TIG is done with a robot or automatically, the filler rod is fed in by machine, sometimes leading to the confusion that it's a wire feed process when in fact it's not.

I don't believe I was confused but thank you for clearing that up.

[i]
Also, "little effect"? Does that mean none, very little, what?

The ring is welded on the tyre side of the wheel. The weld looked like raw aluminum. The paint was burnt back about 1mm from the weld. The inside of the wheel opposite the weld can't be seen when the bead-lock ring is in place. With the 3" ring you see even less.

[Allen]

Originally posted by ghall
Yes


Yes


No


I don't believe I was confused but thank you for clearing that up.


The ring is welded on the tyre side of the wheel. The weld looked like raw aluminum. The paint was burnt back about 1mm from the weld. The inside of the wheel opposite the weld can't be seen when the bead-lock ring is in place. With the 3" ring you see even less.

Hey,

Anytime you need me to clear something up, you just let me know. I'd be more than happy to do so.

Hey, if you took offense, no offense intended. 90% of the people on these BBSs would have no clue.....I don't know your background regarding welding, so I wanted to explain so that I could get the best possible answer. It was more for me than for you.....

Anyway, it's good to know that the paint damage is minimal. We get lots of salt around here during the winter and that clear coat is pretty inportant. I suppose the ring would hide any well executed paint touch ups as well. Thanks.

Not crazy about the MIG though.....that kinda surprises me. If I were spending the dough for an automated welding process, I dish out for the best I could buy.

Allen