Need some Wheel help

[sonic03insc]

I have a set of Iforged wheels I want to clean up to put back in service and need some help. I want to polish the lip back up (polished aluminum) and then powder coat the centers. I'm not sure I can get the centers out. What can I use to polish them back up? I can get the rivets out and hand polish each one unless someone knows a better way, like tumbling?
Let me know what you guys think.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/maxxreebo1/DSC01788.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/maxxreebo1/DSC01789.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/maxxreebo1/DSC01791.jpg

[DonMTV]

Yikes. Wow, how the heck did they get that bad? I thought I had issues with my True Forged wheels. I am in the process of trying to get more info on polishing my wheels too. I have anthracite centers with polished outside lips. I took one of my wheels apart and used an air grinder to take care of some curb rash. Then wet sanded with 800 up to 3000. That is where I am at now.

Don

[rohnramirez]

I can't tell by looking at the picture, but if those screws aren't just aesthetics, then it's either a 2 or 3 piece wheel. Take them apart if so. You can clean the screws with some strong APC and a stiff nylon brush (it's safer than steel brush). The lip can easily be polished once it's separated from the center part. You can use wool balls/pads to polish those out. As for the center part, it's got too much damage, but you can make those less noticeable.

[ScottB]

First, I suggest emailing Vince at Iforged on the fastners since they are stainless steel and shoud NOT rust. Those wheels are indeed 3 piece like my Swifts , yours are just powdercoated black versus aluminum.

I would first wash them with P21S , Sonax, or Griots Wheel Cleaner
Then I would hand polish with "paint polishes" not "metal polish" on painted area (black)
You can metal polish the lips as long as not coated, easy by hand. Some suggest 0000 steel wool too.
Finally I would protect with DP or Poorboys Wheel Sealant.
====

Now if you are really experimental on those discolored rivots and want to move carefully, then hears what I might try (No warranty offered or expressed"

1. Use a q-tip and swab the effected rivots with rust-remover being careful to keep away from paint as possible.
2. Wipe down rivots with damp (water only) qtip after to remove any excess rust remover and then dry well.
3. Coat with a good wheel sealant or perhaps Optimum Optiseal using another qtip as desired for good measure.

I would NOT suggest trying to powdercoat these yourself unless skilled in taking apart 3 piece wheels, there is usually a wire also used with each rivot to help with strength. Removing it might harm integrity of wheel and compromise your safety, I say clean 'em up first and see whatcha come up with !

[sonic03insc]

I got the rivets out a wheel last night and soaked them over night. Here is a before and after, this took less than a minute with a wire bush on my drill and a few wipes with never dull. I'm going to get a tumbler today to finish them out.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/maxxreebo1/DSC01804.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/maxxreebo1/DSC01806.jpg
Next I have got to figure out if I can pull the center out, it looks as if it's welded to the barrel?
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/maxxreebo1/DSC01809.jpg

[Matt S.]

On my CCWs, the centers were just bolted in place. Once the bolts were out, it just popped right out with a mallet. Then, the lip was held on / sealed with a bead of silicone which I had to slice with a razor blade to separate. Upon re-assembly, I had to lay down a perfect bead (I screwed up the first time and it didn't seal, so the tire couldn't hold air), and it's very important that you torque all the bolts properly.

[sonic03insc]

I just found out my wheels are 2 piece that I cannot remove the centers. So it looks like I'm going to repaint the centers myself. I don't think a powder coater can do just the centers can they?

[gibbsj87]

This is prob a bad idea. But for tools, I soak the rusted ones in pb blaster

[ScottB]

I just found out my wheels are 2 piece that I cannot remove the centers. So it looks like I'm going to repaint the centers myself. I don't think a powder coater can do just the centers can they?

They should be able to tape off the polished lip, and powdercoat the center without dismantling wheels. Its similar to painting just with thicker more durable product material and high temp baked or so I have been told.

[Wolf-Strong]

Actually in the same process myself, and interested to see how this turns out!

[jpegs13]

...... and it's very important that you torque all the bolts properly.

There is a specific sequence the bolts ( inner and outer) are supposed to be torqued. Contact I-Forged for the info. Disastrous consequences is done improperly.

[evilwrx]

If you are feeling up to it yourself... I just finished refinishing my wheels using the Dupli-Color rim paint. Took my time during the prep stage and the rims turned out fantastic.