Steel Wheel Rust

[Two Cold Soakers]

After waiting 5 years for my tires to wear out, I've got 4 new 245-75s and 4 new black NATOs in the garage. My wife sez (she's pretty astute) "We should smear some bacon grease or something on those wheels so they don't rust away - Ask your internet-garage buddies what they do."

This truck still gets driven more than 10,000 miles per year, with some regionally moderate off-roading. I intend to keep it as long as possible, and just trying to retard paint chipping to prevent rust.

I am clueless about painting steel beyond keeping it warm and letting it cure. This question applies to racks and bumpers, too.

Would a rattle can of clearcoat be worthwhile?
What brand?
How many coats?
Would a bodyshop have a better solution?

Thanks

 

[adriatic04]

anything steel will rust. keep the steel covered, especially from holes, so it doesnt rust from inside.

that being said, the outside of it, anything water resistant will only help prolong the life. clearcoat would help but also makes things shiny.

I have a steel frame bike that I keep clean, actually wax it so that when I ride in crap it will help resist water. johnson and johnson paste wax does wonders on anything from wood, metal, and leather.

 

[stolenheron]

rustoleum

 

[Jake]

powdercoat....

or, Rustoleum satin, with Rustoleum clearcoat looks pretty good and protects. just takes a while to fully dry..

 

[roverMc]

Prime it then paint it. The clear coat adds protection especially from UV from the sun.

 

[vanwyk4257]

Your best bet would be powdercoat. The next best solution would be painting them (after sandblasting) with POR-15 or a similar substance. Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

On an off-topic note it's looking more and more like I may keep my XD, we'll have to try to get a group of LR owners in SW Michigan together to do a few trail rides this year.

 

[ptschram]

I sandblast them, then coat them with a POR-15 type product and then put rustoleum over that.

Wheels, brush bars, racks, tire holders, sliders, bumpers, you name it.

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

I never thought of applying a couple of coats of body wax.
Maybe I'll run a test of some rustoleum clearcoat on the reverse of one.

Thank you all.

 

[Dallas]

Por 15 is not uv resistant so you need a top coat on it if the parts will be in direct sunlight. :bigok:

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

Por 15 is not uv resistant so you need a top coat on it if the parts will be in direct sunlight. :bigok:

I dig.
The original spare may get the POR15, then paint.
The NATOs are new, and I'm looking to prolong the newness.


VanWyk, I been on some "moderate" trail runs around Cedar Creek ORV area, and up in Oceana Co. There's some worthwhile stuff around Newaygo/White Cloud I found chasing grouse.
Let me know.

 

[ptschram]

Por 15 is not uv resistant so you need a top coat on it if the parts will be in direct sunlight. :bigok:

Hence my putting rustoleum over the top of the POR-15 variant I use.

 

[vanwyk4257]

VanWyk, I been on some "moderate" trail runs around Cedar Creek ORV area, and up in Oceana Co. There's some worthwhile stuff around Newaygo/White Cloud I found chasing grouse.
Let me know.

Steve, I'll touch base with you once I get some minor issues sorted out on my disco. I met another local GR guy this week with a nice '95 D1 outfitted with BFG mud terrains, SD rack and a nice winch front bumper who does some wheeling too. We'll have to see if we can organize a few trail rides this year, it would be great to get a small group of LR owners together.

 

[ptschram]

Don't leave me out of this boys, I'm only three hours South and there just might be a day when I can wheel again.

 

[vanwyk4257]

Don't leave me out of this boys, I'm only three hours South and there just might be a day when I can wheel again.

Dare to dream huh? I'll try to compile a list of people and see if we can put something together. I need to send you a PM to check on a part or two anyway.