ALUMINUM RIMS

[johns81]

My 1981 Vette had set for about 10 years before being restored. The aluminum rims have become really bad looking. I have tried some kind of an aluminum cleaner that I purchased at my local auto store. They still look bad!! Tried to hit them with an SOS pad, still look bad. Anybody have any solutions, or suggestions??

Thanks!!

 

[Yoda]

John,

Can you tell if your wheels still have the protective coating on them?? If they do then you can strip the coating off and give them a great shine If the coating is off already then your in for some work to get them shining again.

I'll take a look through some of the older threads, there are a few really good threads about getting the wheels to shine I'll post back with a few if I can find 'em ..

Bud

John check out this Old Thread

 

[John Ulrich]

Check the yellow pages for a "Wheel Service" company. You might have to ask a few tire stores where they send wheels to fix.
The local guy here spins them on a lathe and recuts the surface and then clearcoats them for around $400 a set. Some shops have polishing machines to rebuff them.
JU

 

[Tritium007]

Bud,

Is there any tell-tale way to determine if the clear coat is still on the wheels? I have that dull finish with excessive water marking that just doesn't seem to clean up. I could try some acetone, but how will I tell if the coating is coming off. Does it look or feel any different underneath? I have some Mothers and I'm ready and able!

Mike

 

[Yoda]

Mike,

Before you go out and buy a full can of acetone, "barrow" a small bottle of finger nail polish remover and try it on the the wheel, put it on with a cloth or sponge if you have the coating, you'll notice it starting to get gummy and coming off If it has the coating then it's just a matter of patience and a little work

Bud

 

[Tritium007]

Thanks Bud. Don't worry, I work at a commercial laboratory and have much more than acetone at my disposal. Getting a small amount of just about anything is possible. I'll give it a go one evening this week.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[cheeseral]

When you make sure there is no clear coat, a die grinder and felt bobs along with some mothers aluminum polish can make them look like this with a little time.

 

[johns81]

WOW, those are beautiful. I do not know if they have clear coat or not. How can I tell??