Does anyone know someone who knows how to polish up an aluminum wheel. When I bought my jeep from the previous owner I think he used mag cleaner on a polished aluminum wheel and ate off the clear coat and pitted the aluminum. I have tried everything to make them clean again but to no avail. I was wondering if someone knew how to repolish them back to a like new condition. Is it even possible? Would it cost me more to redo than to replace :question: Let me know your thoughts. They are American Racing wheels.
Brian
Polishing wheels
-
I usually let mine get dull and very dirty. Then about twice a year I get out the drill and buffing wheel to polish them. I use buffing compound with a fast drill and 2" buffing wheels. Not to scare you but it takes me about 2 1/2 hours per wheel to bring back the shine. Best to take them off to do it. I have used a die grinder before but it spins at like 25,000 rpm and the buffing wheels don't last long. You could just steel wool them and then paint.
-
i've found that the best thing that works for mine is to rub in a circular motion against a rock, rinse, and repeat
well, it works for the edges anyways. seriously though - i still plan on painting mine sometime. when Icky and i painted her flares with krylon we used large amounts of acetone on them beforehand to remove all oil residue that would keep the paint from sticking. i think i'll just try that on my wheels before i primer them and see how it works. they are pitted well past the point of restoring them anyways - and besides, i prefer the flat black anyways (less maintaining).
chris -
Not to be plugging my place of employment (True Value). But there is a product called Flitz. It is a liquid compound that is safe for all metals and from personal use and customers stories, it works very well. Flitz also has their polishing ball that hooks up to a drill. Plus Flitz comes in everything from little packets for .99 to big bottles for 12.99. I would say its worth a try.
-Chris
-
I just saw an infomercial for that flitz stuff last night. That is the first I ever heard of it.
-
There was a article in Petersons a few issues ago with a 2 step paint process to make them look like anodized aluminum. They said the result was amazing and it comes in a bunch of colors.
Steve
Participate now!
Don’t have an account yet? Register yourself now and be a part of our community!