Steel / Aluminum wheel question

[polarlyse]

The other day I got a set of rough aluminum wheels for my trailer. They were in pretty rough condition so I promptly cleaned them up. Took the smoothe surfaces down to bare metal, primed and painted one using stuff I bought at the NAPA store. Came out nicely and now I have the other 3 primed and ready to paint. Now comes the big question. My trailer is an '85 Excella. I need to find a good source to buy new center caps and lug nuts. So that is question #1. Question #2 is, will I find the lug nut studs to be long enough for the thicker alminum wheels or will I have to replace the studs ???????

[polarlyse]

Otay. Today I answered my own question. I jacked up one side and removed the wheels to make the conversion. I tried one of the aluminum wheels just to make sure. The studs are plenty long enough so I'm all set and I found a source of center caps and lug nuts. I took one of the nuts with me so I can double check the thread and order the right ones.

[Lance M]

Glad it is working out! Post some pics when you can.

[polarlyse]

Yes I will try. I was wondering if there is a problem with the aluminum wheel oxidizing and bonding itself to the drum casting. I've had problems with alum wheels on other cars. They stick and have to be pounded off. I was thinking if it would be wise to try and make a gasket to sandwich between the wheel and the drum. Just a thought. I'll ask when I order the caps and lugnuts on monday.

[Action]

If you are concerned with this you could use just paper and make a gasket or use a liquid gasket maker. Permatex comes to mind as far as a brand.

In AZ we don't have that issue. And with annual inspections you may not either. Leave the wheels on there for several years and slosh around in snow and ice mixed with salt that may be the solution for a bond that needs a pounding to break.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by polarlyse

Yes I will try. I was wondering if there is a problem with the aluminum wheel oxidizing and bonding itself to the drum casting. I've had problems with alum wheels on other cars. They stick and have to be pounded off. I was thinking if it would be wise to try and make a gasket to sandwich between the wheel and the drum. Just a thought. I'll ask when I order the caps and lugnuts on monday.

I use Permatex® Anti-Seize Lubricant and it works great. Just a little to cover the mating surface on the drum and the wheels won't stick. Also works great on lug threads and even lubing brake parts. A little of this stuff goes a long way. Keep it a thin coating.

It's also what you use any time you put steel threads into aluminum, including spark plugs into aluminum heads. Also, for diesel injectors.

[Action]

This is what I was thinking. Thanks for the name and the link!

>>>>>Action

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by Action

This is what I was thinking. Thanks for the name and the link!

>>>>>Action

I appreciate the thanks, too.

It's great stuff. I also use it on battery posts and clamp bolts. Again, use it sparingly and wipe off any access.

Also, once you get it on your hands it seems got get everywhere. At least it is easy to get off, unlike some things.

[polarlyse]

Thanks all. And I just happen to have a can of anti-sieze. The good stuff that's older than I am. Left over from my fathers garage. I use it all the time.

Got my wheels all done today. I have 2 wheels off my trailer to have mounted tomorrow. Will get the other two after I put these first 2 back on.

[polarlyse]

OK Top, here are the photo's you requested. Job is done and installed and not so bad a job. If I do say so myself. A few bucks and some elbowgrease and the wheels came out pretty darn nice. It helps to have friends in low places to get jobs like this done quickly and efficiently.

Bye the way. Is that TOP vs. bottom ??????

Happy Memorial Day to all

[polarlyse]

DUH. I guess it would be appropriate to include the pix.

[Lance M]

Nice work! They look like new.

Lol! Yes like "At the top of the food chain".

[polarlyse]

Thanks for the compliment. Not a difficult job. I purchased them from a forum member and they had a lot of, I guess some type of corrosion. It spreads just under the clearcoat and looks pretty bad. She upgraded to 16" wheels and I bought the 15s. Can't wait to get out on the road with my "NEW" wheels. Looks pretty classy. Have one front panel to replace one of these days to make things shipshape. But that's another story and another time.

Stay well. See ya on the road sometime.