-
-
Super Member
Re: Uncoated Aluminum wheel restoration
I would lightly sand them and then hit them a few times with metal polish. You will be amazed at how good you can get them looking with some time and elbow grease.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
-
Re: Uncoated Aluminum wheel restoration
What do you recommend I sand them with? I’m assuming I’d be wetsanding them?
-
Super Member
Re: Uncoated Aluminum wheel restoration
Yes, I had a variety of grits I used, from 800/1000 all the way up to 3000. The great thing about uncoated wheels is that you can clean up and repair blemishes.
I'd start with a higher rate paper and then get more aggressive. So, maybe start with 1500 to 2000 and see how it responds.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
-
Re: Uncoated Aluminum wheel restoration
If I have to use sandpaper I want to keep from giving them a mirror finish. I might use 2000 just to hit the rough oxidation off of them and then try the polish.
-
Super Member
Re: Uncoated Aluminum wheel restoration
Those wheels look a bit beyond what normal cleaning/detailing products are capable of. They need restoration, not detailing.
If you sand them you're going to alter the surface texture in the areas sanded. I'd only do that as a last resort.
What I would try first is an aluminum cleaner chemical (acidic) from an automotive paint supply store. Even this will probably only do a so-so job but maybe it would be good enough... Depends on your expectations.
If that doesn't work to your satisfaction, my next attempt would be bead-blasting them. They'll look like new after that. The problem then becomes how to keep them looking that way. I'd consider powder coating, painting or clear-coating them after the blasting.
One other option, see about purchasing a set of reconditioned wheels and use the ones you have as cores.
-
Re: Uncoated Aluminum wheel restoration
Just as a suggestion: try Flitz's Pre Cleaner for aluminum. I don't know if it is acidic or basic, but it does do a great job on aluminum oxidation, and it is a chemical, not an abrasive. If that does work, you can figure out which way to go afterwards. You will get a mirror finish if you use the Flitz polish and their Buff Ball. I have used it on not only aluminum wheels, but aluminum body trim, and it has always worked well fro me.
There are anumber of Flitz videos on Youtube, and a few of them show the action of the Pre Cleaner on aluminum. One in particular show it with Diamond Plate.
-
Re: Uncoated Aluminum wheel restoration
If you go for a original look and want them restored. I would bought 1 more rim in the same condition if I would be diy them. Then I could experiment on a rim I didnt cared for. A suggestion is to look up what the price would be to someone else doing it for you. Some company that works with aluminum and can blast them with most suited media. Then look up if you can clearcoat bare aluminum. If not I would paint them with a base coat that is as close to aluminum color on the rims and clearcoat them. Just to be safe that them hold up over the years forth.
I agree to start with an aluminum cleaning chemical first and then look into blast them. If my memory is right their is crossed nutshells that they use when blasting aluminum. They seems to be in great condition for restoration so it can be worth it.
-
-
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
SWETM thanked for this post
-
Re: Uncoated Aluminum wheel restoration
Wow! Those are some amazing results Mike. I was hoping you would chime in. In your article you say that the Flitz pad is equivalent to 1500 grit. That is about the same as a white Scotch-brite pad. See any problems with using one of those? I have some Eagle One etching aluminum wheel cleaner on hand I could pair with a scotch brite. I'm assuming since it is made for uncoated aluminum wheels it would not stain them as you talked about in your article for non Flitz brand cleaners?
Bookmarks