TR2/3/3A glass beading them

[sp53]

This new project I purchased came with a thin layer of rust. The flywheel and ring gear look new. I am thinking about glass beading them and calling it good. In addition, I am thinking about glass beading the surface rust off some old rotors. Will that little bit of texture cause problems on these items?

 

[Geo Hahn]

I would think the surface rust on the rotors is of little import, should clear off as soon as you start using the brakes. If you were to clean them, they might well rust again before they get used.

Not sure on the flywheel -- I have had old ones re-surfaced at the same time as they were balanced but that was more of a light machining than a blasting.

 

[sp53]

I was thinking it would break the glazing off the rotors plus me a good surface to paint where the hub bolts. The flywheel is different; I could just get it surface for 25 or 30 bucks and that way I know it is flat, but it looks new with no heat cracks or anything like that just sat in a car port for some time. I guess my concern would be the slightly ruff surface tearing into the clutch disc if it does not bed in. I think I will blast it clean and take down to the clutch and brake shop and see what they say. It is just my Scottish back ground that makes jump through all these hoops. That is why Scottish money is 8 sided because nobody will let go off it and corners just keep ripping off.

 

[TR3driver]

IMO the rust will quickly polish off the flywheel in use, just like from the brake rotors. I've put them on rusty and never had a problem with it. But glass beading it isn't likely to hurt either.

 

[Tinkerman]

To me glass beading is the least invasive form of blasting, though I haven't tried soda blasting. I have a blast cabinet and used glass, walnut hulls and various grits of sand, Best piece of equipment I ever invested in, by the way. I'm with the others doing the flywheel and rotors is a big waste of time because they will clean up after use. Other items to spend your time and money on.
Good luck, Tinkerman

 

[sagebrushbob]

Jedi, glass beading won't hurt the rotors. If you had them turned down and trued, you would remove even more material. I think they'd look great, beaded and painted at the hubs.
Bob