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Old Jun 15, 2006 | 11:44 AM
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Default Wheel Restoration-polish

1980 L48 50K miles

The original aluminum wheels are in bad shape. I bought some Mothers polish and it did shine them up but they still have spots on the surface that the polish does not seem to help. Anyone have any suggestions how to remove the dark spots on the surface without taking the tires off?

Thanks Darrel
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Old Jun 15, 2006 | 11:58 AM
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Try "Simichrome Polish" it is for all kinds of metal. Use a cotton buff and have at it. We use it on everything at work and it really does the job.
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Old Jun 15, 2006 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 1tuffref
Try "Simichrome Polish" it is for all kinds of metal. Use a cotton buff and have at it. We use it on everything at work and it really does the job.
Your right it does work. But you may have to use some rubbing compound to get some serious spots out. Water sanding with 600 grit wet/dry paper will also get the deep stuff out and then go back with the polishes and buff the hell out of them. Truckers use a product to polish and keep those big rigs shining called "Magic Mix" metal polish made by Valco sold at the major truck stops. Also "Never Dull" is another good finish polish product.
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Old Jun 15, 2006 | 02:01 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions. Do you know where to purchase the Simichrome Polish or Magic Mix?

Also, regarding the 600 grit sand paper- do you rub hard or just lightly? I do not think there is any kind of coating on these wheels- I am sanding/polishing the base metel correct?

Darrel
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Old Jun 15, 2006 | 02:15 PM
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make sure the clearcoat is off, $5 paint stripper from the local hardware store will get the job done. Apply carefully with a small brush and you won't hurt the tires.
Wetsand as needed, start with 600, then 800, 1000....
Mother's has a new (smaller) version of their "powerball", it's around $20 and comes with an 'extension'. That thing is awesome for polishing these wheels, just did mine last weekend
Any Chrome or metal polish will be fine, for the final finish use NevRdull
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Old Jun 15, 2006 | 09:25 PM
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I also used Scotch Brite instead of the sand paper - then Mothers Polish and the Power ball - it took a long time for me to get use to that dang thing but it seemed to work well once I got the hang of it.
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Old Jun 16, 2006 | 12:56 PM
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I believe the clear coat on my wheels has already been taken off by previous owner. I polished 2 wheels last night- worked perfect- Is the Mothers polishing ball worth it or can I get the same result with more elbow grease??

1. 600 grit sandpaper
2. 1500 grit paper
3. Mothers polish
4. Now shiny wheels

Will the polishing ball make them even better???

Darrel
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Old Jun 16, 2006 | 01:56 PM
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We get Simichrome from McMaster Carr it is labeled just "all metal polish".
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Old Jun 16, 2006 | 01:59 PM
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From: Pearl MS
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I think you can get the same result with A LOT more elbow grease

If I were to do it again - now that they have the smaller power ball out - I would go that route. They also have some other polishing ***** out - I think one is Flitz or something. there may be others and they may be a little cheaper
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Old Jun 16, 2006 | 03:14 PM
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From: staten island ny
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Originally Posted by skydaddy
I think you can get the same result with A LOT more elbow grease

If I were to do it again - now that they have the smaller power ball out - I would go that route. They also have some other polishing ***** out - I think one is Flitz or something. there may be others and they may be a little cheaper
I have the FLitz ball and wasnt happy with it, much too big and had to be cleaned alot.
ESU
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