Another RSR Fuchs thread, Got them stripped...kind of like them without the black Options

[Mark Henry]

So I'm doing the RSR treatment to my straight but cosmetically challenged Fuchs.

First I stripped the anodising from one wheel using a caustic soda (also known as lye or Sodium hydroxide) solution, it takes off the anodizing like a champ, but hardly touches the old paint. Bottom left rim first pic has been in the caustic soda . So it was off to the hardware store for some stripper.

The stripper worked, but I had to take off the paint leftovers with the bead blaster (last pic).
They are going back into the caustic soda solution again tonight to get rid of the rest of the anodizing.

I love the finish, it has me debating whether to leave them like this or to paint the usual black background. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Mark Henry]

I'm using a very weak solution, 4 heaping teaspoons to about 2 gallons (10L) of water.
Takes about 30-40 minutes to strip the anodizing. I could add more and speed up the process but this is working for me.

BTW if you did forget about your rim, say overnight, you most likely would find a puddle of goo the next morning. Even this weak you can see the aluminium coming off.

This stuff is caustic so use proper safety gear and have a good supply of water on hand.
Of course I have my safety flip-flops and shorts on (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)