Wheels can make the car

[nj7000]

Up untill awhile ago I've been toying around with replacing the factory wheels on my 78' with something that would command a little more attention. After seeing replacement wheels in the good old MidAmerica catalog I think I'd rather just refurbish the old ones. As of right now the wheels are pretty dull and kind of grungy looking. I've tried to polish them with just a basic polish, but I know it's going to take something else to get that bright shine out of them. I sure could use everyone's wisdom!

 

[sixty9vette]

Use an electric drill and about a 5" buffing wheel (get the spiral stitched type if available since they stay stiffer longer). Use jewelers rouge (the red stuff) and Mother's aluminum polish together. Just start the drill slowly and rub the rouge bar onto the pad until it's coated. Also dab some Mother's on there and start polishing slowly so you don't sling it all over the place - then you can speed up. Then use a terry towel to buff it to a shine. Repeat these steps a thousand times and you're done! I had an '81 and the wheels looked like chrome when I was done. I spent about a day per wheel (well, not constantly buffing...). For maintenance just use Mother's and polish by hand and they won't lose their luster.

 

[97RedCorvette]

Been there, done that. It's a lot of work, but well worth it. Here's a thread that might help you.......

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41376

 

[nj7000]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! It sure will be nice to have a shiny set of rims for a change; I can't wait to get working on that. Now if only it wasn't cold and rainy right now...

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

I have Centerlines on mine, but when they get really bad I start by cleaning them with aSOS pad. Then I polish them with a good Polishing compound; not just wax. It is a lot of workbut, they sure look good when I'm done.


Gary

 

[nj7000]

I'll have to give some of those a try. It'll be nice having a clean set of wheels for once, it really should make the rest of the car look lots better. I think the car will command more attention too once they're all polished up.