Wheel/Rim Restoration

[asby69]

I know that I've seen a thread on the CAC somewhere on how to restore rims yourself but now I can't find it. I want to strip off the clear coat (what's left) and polish my rims. What can I use to strip the clear coat and what is the best polishing compound?
Thanks for your help in advance.

asby69

 

[WVZR1]

Refinish of clearcoat wheels

There is a procedure in the Corvette Service manuals for the strip and refinish of the clearcoat. In the late '80's and early '90's this was a common warranty repair for those who had problems. I'm quite sure it is in all GM service manuals but a '90 Corvette for sure.

 

[3sacrwd]

I just searched for this early this am. Go to C4 detailing section and you will find a couple of different ways to strip and polish. I have not done mine, because the clearcoat is still in good shape. I will probably wait until they start looking bad before I polish them. Good luck.

 

[asby69]

THANKS....

Thanks for all of your help!! Now I've just got to find time to do it?!?! I'm in the military and don't have a lot of time on my hands right now!?!?

Thanks again.

asby69

 

[JOliver]

I have done a fews sets and I'm going to do a set on a 90 very soon.....First I use "Captain Lees Stripper" I have a good source on this product and get it from the maker but I ordered cases at a time..I'm pretty sure Corvette Central sells it by the gallons...Its cheap and the best thing is it is deactivated by cold water.Now one thing I do to it and it makes it work better is I mix it 75% stripper with 25% ammonia..it comes with a small sprayer...I had the tires taken off the wheels on my 90 ...Stripped them down and sprayed the old clear/stripper off with a water hose..I then polished the lip on the wheel with a bench buffer but some mothers or your personal preference of polish will work...Get them the way you want...I had a curb mark on one that I filed down with a dremel then polished out with the bench polisher,when I was done with this you couldn't tell the rim had been curbed...Then I ordered some CLear from Eckelrs/Central its made by POR so you could probably get it from them and save a few bucks...I think I paid 35 bucks from ecklers for a pint with hardner....Now some say you don't have to do this but it makes cleaning them easier..washing dirt/brake dust off VS repolishing the wheels.I applied the clear with a spray can from a local body shop.....Let the wheels dry and cure for a few days and then had the tires reinstalled......I took my time on them but they look Better than new.....I from time to time will buy a set of worn,curbed clear coated prblem wheels and redo them and make a small profit.Easy if you have the time.


Jason
Vetteinstruments@aol.com