Re-Finish Stock Wheels.

[Larry Dana]

The previous owner on my '82 got too close to the curb a couple of times and scratched the rims of the wheels.

Is it possible to have the edges ground smooth, then polished?

If that is done, what is the coating that keeps the aluminum from corroding. And where can I get it?

I would like to have the whole wheel polished if I can be sure the coating will not peel off.

 

[JohnGrawcock]

Larry,

If the scratches are not too deep you can probably remove them by running a flat file along the circumference of the wheel. Use fine steel wool on filed areas for clean-up. Your wheels were not originally polished or at least not to the point that they look like chrome so this should approximately match the factory finish.

Unfortunately, many people insist on polishing these wheels. If this has been done to your car you'll need to re-polish the effected areas. Once it's polished the aluminum likes to spot and streak constantly so you might as well get use to doing this regularly. Yuk.

There should be no clearcoat to worry about.

Regards,
John G.

 

[cmegga]

I have an 81 same rims, I have been considering buying a set threw Mid America . they have the same as stock rim for our car in a chrome finish. Much nicer looking a lot less work to clean, the set runs for $1149.

 

[Glensgages]

There should be no clearcoat to worry about.

My '82s did have clear-coat on them, which had (by '00) shrunk, cracked, and peeled-off, turning Yellowish-Green.
I had the c-c polished off, then had the wheels chromed, for $135/each. If you don't care what the NCRS-crowd says, and you can afford it, you won't regret this path...

 

[JohnGrawcock]

My '82s did have clear-coat on them, which had (by '00) shrunk, cracked, and peeled-off, turning Yellowish-Green.
I had the c-c polished off, then had the wheels chromed, for $135/each. If you don't care what the NCRS-crowd says, and you can afford it, you won't regret this path...

Pretty sure that clear-coat didn't come from the factory. I've got an 80 and an 82. No clear-coat on either. The 82 wheels still have the factory finish and aren't hard to maintain.



The wheels on the 80 were heavily polished by the previous owner using an aluminum polish and buffing head. They actually did look like chrome. I prefer the look of my stock 82 wheels. I Think I'll polish them less vigorously in the future. If I work them just enough to keep them clean and remove any water marks I'm hoping they'll go back to what I'm used to.


John G.

 

[Tom Bryant]

They did come clear coated origionally but it didn't hold up well. Most cars have had it polished off years ago. I cleaned it off of my wife's '81 around '86 or so. She had used some aluminum polish on one of them when it was new not knowing they were coated and it made a mess of the clear coat. I finally got tired of it and the yellowing and took it off all of the wheels.


Tom

 

[cmegga]

Glensgages

Who did the chrome plating for you. Im very interested in this. I think thy look much better with a shine to them and i personally am tired of polishing them ever 3 weeks.

 

[Glensgages]

Glensgages

Who did the chrome plating for you. Im very interested in this.

EAST COAST PLATING, in Capitol Heights, Md., just outside D.C.
301/350-0393...I talked with "Vinnie". Shipped-out on a Tuesday, they were back on the car the following Wednesday.

I think thy look much better with a shine to them and i personally am tired of polishing them ever 3 weeks.

I agree; all I've done the last 2 years is wash & wipe with water, and the results are outstanding!!!
Why polish aluminum, when you can 'wipe-off' chrome and go " stylin' an' profilin' "???

 

[Glensgages]

cmegga:
gimme your E-mail address; I can send you a pix...

Glensgages@aol.com

 

[mvftw]

Wheels America good a great job! http://www.fixrim.com/