i know this probably sounds dumb but... can you sandblast aluminum rims?

 

i did and i didnt have any problems, but i ended up with a rougher surface then i thought i whould get, I whouldnt do it unless you are just getting rid of the old paint and planing on polishing or painting them

 

I'd look at a softer blasting media other than sand..

You can get plastic beads and even crushed walnut shells made for the job. They are hard enough to wear away the paint, but not hard enough to scratch aluminum.

Walnut Shell Blasting, Walnut Shell Blasting Media, Walnut Shell Blasting Media Online, Walnut Shell Grit, Walnut Shell Blasting Equipment

Plastic Bead Blasting - Eagle Auto Stripping

 

i have a set of 'turbo-cast' rims, which media would you recomend?, where could i get it? & how much would it cost?.....

the guy who has the sandblaster says it will make the rims rust, is this true?

 

Aluminum doesn't rust...it can oxidize, but it won't rust. I had my aluminum rims sandblasted, and while it is a little rough afterwards, it can be sanded down. From my own experience, I wouldn't have them sandblasted mostly due to the fact that it is more time consuming to finish them afterwards. I didn't know any better and I got them done for free so that is why I got mine sandblasted. If you are planning to polish them, as I was, use glass beads, walnut shells, or even baking soda. Any shop that does sandblasting should be able to provide any of the media listed, if not, find someplace that does.