Wheel bits

[bobcrozier]

Here's a question regarding a common problem. How do you guys go about removing the little bits of sprue left attached to chromed wheels/rims?

Most times a little snipping with the sprue cutters and a little sanding does the trick, but often I will end up with some sort of witness mark visible on the completed wheel/tyre. Any suggestions?

Bob

[gramps]

I usually take a pare of nail clippers to the rims. They seem ta work pretty good.

[BUCKY]

I agree with Bill, Bob! I snip with the clippers and hit it with a sanding stick a very lightly. And if it leaves a small enough spot, I can touch it up with Testors Chrome Silver and go about my business.

[hotrodmodeler]

I have to go with the masses. I use sprue cutters, but, I DO NOT cut flush to the rim.
I cut 1/16th " above and bring it down with a 240 sanding file. After the 240 , I use a piece of 400 grit paper to remove any scars left behind. I also have found , that sanding with the rim, as opposed to sanding ACROSS the rim leaves a less noticeable mark, if any at all. Then I touch it with a silver paint pen , or , a silver sharpie.
HTH
8-)RICK

[monaro]

I have seen for old school builds people cover the white mark with a simulated wheel weight.

[hotrodmodeler]

Monaro,
That is a great tip. I nevevr thought of that. Thanks for a good tip.

8-)RICK

[popeye]

It's not just wheels, many chrome parts suffer the same when they are connected to the sprue right where it's gonna show, really annoying and fiddley to rectify, WTF cant they connect the sprue to the bits that aint gonna show?
good tip about the weights tho, although on alloys or chrome rims most guys get the ballencer to fit the weights to the inner rim, it'd work well on some stock steel rims tho

[BUCKY]

Sometimes, on certain parts, depending on whether they are going to a show or just sitting on the shelf, I will put a small piece of Ultra Brite BMF over the area to cover the lack of chrome.

[bobcrozier]

Some really neat tips - cheers guys!


Bob

[BUCKY]

There's an article in the current issue of SA magazine where the builder actually said he covers slight blemishes on the chrome parts with a small piece of BMF. It works for me!!!!