Only problem is that I found the coverage to be lacking near the edge . Because the opening is wider on the outside, I found it hard to get a good coat to go to the edge so I hit it from both sides to get an even coat.
Shooting from the back side will minimize overspray on the front of the wheels.
The paint pens that you use for models aren't good for the full size cars I've found out. It doesn't seem to last. On a high use area (like the wheels) a better paint is necessary.
Thanks. Funny thing is we're thinking of changing the color.
Thanks. Funny thing is we're thinking of changing the color.
the best stuff to polish the wheel is the Mother's Powerball and Mother's or Meguiars Aluminum polish. You can do it by hand with the aluminum polish but the powerball is much easier.
I used a gloss paint but a semigloss would work too. Flat doesn't look right for some reason
Can never ask too many questions.
Can never ask too many questions.
The wheels were heavily corroded and not shiny one bit when we bought them at a swap meet. The finish was smooth but looked unpolished.
I got a mother's powerball (the mini works best in my opinion) and the aluminum polish (it's not a wax but in the same aisle at walmart).
After I washed the wheels of the years of dust on them with normal car wash soap and some degreaser, I took an old sock and the aluminum polish and applied it to the wheel. Apply it just like you would car wax but be more liberal with it, you'll take the excess off with the powerball. As you apply it, you'll see the polish start to turn black. This is normal as it is pulling off the corrosion. Don't let it dry, it works best wet.
with the powerball, you'll want to use an electric drill unless you have a badass cordless one, they just don't have the power and longevity of a corded drill.
I applied a little of the polish to the powerball before use to "prime" it. (It keeps it taking off too much polish at the start). Go to town on the wheel and you will see results pretty quickly. Apply more polish as necessary to get it all nice and shiny. Be careful around the holes with the powerball as it can tear it up if you're not careful if you use too much pressure and the powerball fibers will catch the edge of the holes and tear. (with the large powerball it is definitely harder to avoid them).
Once you got a good shine, wipe off the residue with a rag.
I haven't used any wax on the wheels, I don't even know if it's recommended for un-cleared aluminum but once it's polished, it holds up quite well, a periodic hand polishing with the aluminum polish might be all that's necessary.
As far as a wax for the body of the vette, our paint is not in great shape but a buddy of mine who owns www.specialtymotoring.com recommended a cutting cream ClearKote Blue Moose Cutting Cream to remove oxidation and then Poly-Seal Optimum Poli-Seal to seal and protect and it did a great job on the bad paint.
Here are the results:
Side by side comparison of the t-tops. The one on the left has had no work done to it. The one on the right had the oxidation removed and a coat of poly-seal on it.
The stuff works great on all paintjobs. I did my Mazda 6 with the polyseal (new paint that didn't need polishing) and the results are spectacular
The water beads almost like rain-x on both cars and it holds up very well to the elements and the stuff goes a long way.
If you go through Specialty Motoring, tell him his neighbor Greg sent you and he'll hook you up. If you have specific questions about your paint, he'll help you out.
(this is not a plug for his business, I'm just a satisfied user who used Zymol, Meguiars and Mother's in the past and was happier with these products)
The spring was replaced years ago (before we got it) with a fiberglass spring. It seems a little soft and may have to be replaced again. The shocks are Monroe (don't know what model) that were replaced shortly before we got it. If you need more info, I'll get under her tonight and see if I can get more info but they look look like standard replacements
Cool. Hope it turns out well. If you have an orbital buffer, it will make it a lot easier but even by hand it works well, you just get tired quicker.
Dealers:
