Polished Wheels

Ive seen somwhere, I dont recall, that you can bead blast the stock aluminum snowflake wheels, and they look good, also Ive seen here about other ppl polishing the stock wheels.

Im looking for some info about both means of changing the look of the stock wheels, I have a spare pair that are in good condition, the clear coat is peeling, and I want to dress them up.

As always any suggestions are appreciated...

Mark

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'88 TC, 5spd, Black, Raven Interior,157K, K&N filter, Sumitomo Tires 225/60VR16

'88 TC Auto, Burgandy?!? raven interior, seems like a parts car but...

Coming Soon - Gillis Valve, and who knows what else....
Marks '88 TC in the show room
Accomplished - Nuffin lately!!!

[This message has been edited by Mjrs_88_TC (edited 05-06-2004).]

Some info on polishing here http://natomessageboard.com/Forum1/HTML/010891.html

Just so you know what you are getting yourself into...the snowflake wheels are not smooth. They consist of tiny grooves that go all the way around. If you were to polish these, you would have to sand off all of those grooves first, and that would be a VERY time consuming project. If Dan was on more, he could tell you how long it took him to polish his. I'll bet it is around 100 hours, if not more. Either way, good luck to ya!

Kev

Removing the old clear coat with stripper and then waxing the rims with a good aluminum polish will make a big improvement. You then have to keep them polished often to keep the aluminum from oxidizing or you can reapply clear coat.

You don't have to remove the grooves unless you are trying to obtain a smooth chrome look. Try removing the clear and waxing first and go from there.

http://natomessageboard.com/Forum1/HTML/010891.html

Here's a nice alternative for you. Just do what he says, minus the painting step, if you just want to refinish them. [Image: smile.gif]

But be careful, for heavens sake.

Dagnabit! I didn't even notice that you posted the same link, Pete.

I am gonna try that wiht my wheeles the restoration. but how do yuo polish them like dan eaves? in the showroom.

Deadbird, follow the link, then follow the link that Oldraven provided in that post. After you get to the end of the article, repeat the steps on sanding until you work your way up to 2000 grit wet sand paper. Then Buff.

I acctually copied he whole page but i guess that the finer paper would be a given. what should i buff with?

You would need some kind of die grinder or power buffer and the right shaped buffing wheels and tapered buffs.

If ths link works take a look around at their buffing supplies. http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemT...SubCat=432