pw520a 19 Report post Posted January 8, 2011 I am in the process of installing a new rim blow horn switch I have the old one out but I am having a hard time getting the hardend glue out underneath, any ideas? The wheel is in good shape no cracks but some of the woodgrain has rubbed off, what is the process for restoring the wood grain texture. Thanks Gary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tony 63C 14 Report post Posted January 8, 2011 My replacement rim blow switch came with a gapping tool (made of spring steel) that acted like a scraper. This tool ensures that there is a uniform width to the groove that accepts the switch. The process of running this gapping tool around the wheel was very effective at removing any adhesive or other debris within the groove. I'm almost hesitant to suggest this, but you might also want to try some sort of solvent (i.e. lacquer thinner, acetone) to soften up the old glue. But be sure test it first on an small insonspicuous area to make sure it doesn't melt the plastic of the wheel. I'll leave it to someone else to answer your question about restoring the woodgrain texture. Uncharted territory for me. Regards, T. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
very fat and very dumb 40 Report post Posted January 10, 2011 I had the same problem, it took time and effort to get it done. I used a chisel, hammer and flat screw driver the width of the switch groove. Start off with 1/4 inch victories at a time, be very careful and take your time. you have to get the sides of the groove clean or cleaner than the bottom of the groove. It's not easy but you can do it. When installing the switch there were parts that went in very easy and other parts that were very painful, I actually tore the skin away from the bottom of my fingernails and had to wait until they healed to finish the job. One thing that helped me a lot with the really difficult areas was the stainless steel tag off of a rear end, it's rigid, rounded on one end and thin enough to use it to push the switch in the groove. Good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordrevhead 29 Report post Posted January 11, 2011 I have never done this but it sure sounds like the job for a dremel tool or tile grout cutter, etc? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LindenBruce 27 Report post Posted January 11, 2011 Gary, As far as restoring the wood grain finish try contacting the rimblow buddy in Arizona. There is also rimblow restorations in New Zealand. Hopefully they can help you out. Bruce Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
