Before I fork out some $$$ for new American Racing or equivalent wheels I was told last week at a local 'show & shine' I could restore my existing aluminum wheels with an acid wash. Then clear coat them.

I think I'll attempt this before I make a final decision to purchase new wheels.

Anyone know where this acid wash can be purchased or recommend a brand name....???

Also is it neccesary to clear coat the wheels ? Seems like clear coating is usually the problem with aluminum wheels loosing thier lustre...

Thanks

 

There is a very specific procedure for finishing or refinishing aluminum.

1. Chemical and mechanical cleaning
2. Alumiprep wash (a weak phosphoric acid )
3. Alodine wash (chromate surface conversion coating)
4. Paint or Acrylic Urethane clear coat.

Visit your local PPG supplier. PPG had technical bulletins on refinished alumimum, and the above chemicals. FOLLOW THE INSTRUTIONS!

If one just wants to restore an original uncoated aluminum surface, just complete steps one and two. The result will not be that bright, and it will dull slightly with time as the surface oxidizes, but smooth machined surfaces can be polished. They will also dull with time as surface oxidation occurs, which is normal, and the oxide film protects the surface from mild chemical attack.

Bright alumimun is really not "normal" because of the normal surface oxidation that occurs. Once aluminum oxidizes to a somewhat dull surface due to oxidation if will usuall stay that way for a long time as long as it is not exposed to an electroyte like salted roads.

The biggest problem with restoring uncoated aluminum wheels is surface pitting that develops over time when exposed to even rainwater, which is a weak electrolyte. Pits cannot be removed without remachining the surface, and if they are deeper than the maximum cut that is safe to take, then you essentially cannot restore them to original appearance.

Original American TTD wheels did not have a clearcoat, but some had the spokes painted dark gray, and some were natural.

Duke