[DeTomaso] Stress-relieving Rims

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/17/13 12:14:38 AM, scott at saccrestorations.net writes:

> Why is this needed? Are people having problems with Campy rims breaking?
> 

Yes. Stresses accumulate and develop into cracks starting at the numerous 
internal pores, and the wheel can separate into pieces even if dismounted and 
stored on a shelf. This HAS happened. The stress relief temp for magnesium 
is so low one can do it in a home oven safely. OK- so maybe you don't care 
about the common 7x15s but 8x15s are beginning to be scarce and it is 
possible even on the very pricey 10" Campys too. 
I've been advocating stress relief since the early '90s when I worked for 
Lockheed, particularly if the wheels have been weld-repaired. Magnesium can 
be TIG-welded but the heat-expansion rate is so great, my pro-welder said   
'it was like the wheel was trying to crawl off the table under the torch'.... 
And all that generates even more internal stress. Easy to do, can't hurt 
and the only cost is to refinish the paint afterwards. Call it 'cheap 
insurance'.   Good luck- J Deryke