Aluminum Wheel help

[moparfan1986]

I have aluminum wheels with a little pitting and corrosion on them. my question is will Megs NXT wheel polish work with the wolfgang aluminum compound or will I have to buy the whole 3 step system then sealant? also do I need the wool polishing ball with the aluminum compound or will the mothers power ball or powercone do the same job (is the wool ball much more abrasive)? Maybe you guys could send me in the right direction without costing a fortune!?! What should I do, heres all the things I can use.

-mothers powerball/ PB mini/ power cone
-Flitz polish
-mothers powermetal for aluminum
-megs NXT all metal polish
-Wolfgang aluminum compound (should I buy this?)
-3' wool ball (also should I buy this?)

Any other suggestions?

Feed back please

[Mike Phillips]

The Wolfgang compound is very aggressive, most people don't need anything near as aggressive as this product, I didn't even use it on these wheels with a rotary buffer.

Old School Aluminum Slotted Mag Wheels - Extreme Makeover (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/27892-old-school-aluminum-slotted-mag-wheels-extreme-makeover.html)


Just use a light, safe metal polish.

:)

[DonMTV]

Hi there,
Depending on the condition of the wheel there are different things you can do to restore the finish.

Here are my True Forged wheels that needed some love.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DonMTV_True_Forged_Wheel_Restoration_3.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DonMTV_True_Forged_Wheel_Restoration_1.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DonMTV_True_Forged_Wheel_Restoration_2.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DonMTV_True_Forged_Wheel_Restoration_4.jpg

I started by taking the wheel apart. Then washing it. I used 800 grit, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000. In the picture the back barrel wasn't done yet. I didn't go for the high gloss polish in the back, but definitely made it nicer looking.

I then used Mothers Power Metal polish with a Powerball, and tried the large Lake Country wool ball, but preferred the work of the Powerball. I then used Optimum Metal Polish using the smaller Powerball. Prior to that I tried the Griot's 3" polisher with a orange pad, and then white pad.

If there is a easier and quicker way to do what I did, please chime in. I want to finish the other three wheels so I can have my new tires mounted.

So to the Original Poster please post up some pictures so we can advise you.

Don

[Jim D.]

Pitting may require wetsanding for optimal results, but certainly try polishing first and see if you like the progress. If you have a clearcoat, you'll need to strip it or polish it away.

Some good pics would be helpful for a solid recommendation.

[Mike Phillips]

That looks awesome!



http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DonMTV_True_Forged_Wheel_Restoration_4.jpg

I started by taking the wheel apart. Then washing it. I used 800 grit, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000. In the picture the back barrel wasn't done yet. I didn't go for the high gloss polish in the back, but definitely made it nicer looking.


Don

That's a lot of work but the results look worth it. The slotted mags I used in my article ended up not being high enough quality wheel to entice me to going as far as you did although I considered it and a number of people try to steer me in that direction.

There comes a point when you have to decide what you're personal time is worth and because the slotted mag wheels in my write up didn't have the thicker flange and are not nearly as nicely finished as the two I brought with me from California, I decided to shine them up as best as I could with half days work, then mount them and enjoy them.

Now it's back to Craigslist and eBay to try and find two more matching wheels that will match the quality and finish of these two wheels.

I still probably won't go as far as to wetsand and polish these wheels till they look like chrome because the are going on a daily driver truck, not a show car...

Picture taken from this thread (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/25403-show-car-garage-video-how-clean-polish-aluminum-wheels-machine-flitz-metal-polish.html)...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/862/FlitzVideoSC010.jpg



Not only are the two mags in the picture above nicer in overall quality, they are heavier too...

:)

[Stype4life]

Mike what can you do to get Alloy to look like chrome?

[Mike Phillips]

Mike what can you do to get Alloy to look like chrome?

Polish the heck out of it!

First you have to make 100% sure it's not coated or anodized...

Next, you have to 100% dedicate yourself to the project, it's not easy, it's not fast and involves sanding and polishing, (depending upon how bad the surface is), and will require an investment into some products and tools...

Another option is to take it to a company that offers show car quality polishing, they'll have everything they need and can do the job fast for you...

Or buy different wheels?


:)