Need help on my SSR meshies rebuild...

[worksnaDELUXE]

I can’t get the faces out of the barrels. I’ve used a mallet to no avail.

 

Also, I’m afraid if I get them out, I won’t be able to put them back in the barrels.

 

Anything would help at this point.

 

Thanks!

[jefe de jefes]

Place a 2x4 or block of wood on inside portion of face and pound that with a big hammer. They'll come out

[G-Duax]

You have to heat them.

Had the same problem with my Decem-10s.

Once the barrel gets hot, the centers will come out a lot easier, and not damage anything by beating on them.

Do the same when you go to re-assemble them.

 

I have an industrial heat gun that I use, but there is no reason why you can't use a propane torch. Just don't hold it in one spot, keep moving it around.

 

Oh, and if your centers are powder coated from the factory (many are), the easiest way to get powder coating off is with an acetylene torch, with a small welding tip.

Get a nice sharp blue flame, and use it like an eraser. The sudden high temp makes the powder coating pop off the surface like popcorn. 

Will take forever with sand blasting, and that will also erode the aluminum.

[yellow510]

you can try the hot/cold press method. heat the lip with a torch and use ice on the center portion. heat expands the metal on the lip and the cold compresses the center section just enough for it to slip out. do the same to get it back in. also make sure to mark where the center lines up with the barrel. not putting back in the same spot could result in additional difficulty in getting the rim balanced with the tire.

 

the 1st time i had some centers powder coated it was near impossible to get them back in cause the powder coat was so thick. the 2nd time i asked the powder coater to not do the mating surfaces. he was cool enough to mask off the side so they slipped back in pretty easy.