question about stripping wheels
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 0
From: OREGON
that looks really good, i polished my 84 wheels, but there was no clear coat left on them, but i had alot of hours in these wheels
i had used some white polishing compound that i got at harbor freight, and some metal polish from a company called production, and a power ball mini
i had used some white polishing compound that i got at harbor freight, and some metal polish from a company called production, and a power ball mini
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: New Port Richey Florida
that looks really good, i polished my 84 wheels, but there was no clear coat left on them, but i had alot of hours in these wheels
i had used some white polishing compound that i got at harbor freight, and some metal polish from a company called production, and a power ball mini
i had used some white polishing compound that i got at harbor freight, and some metal polish from a company called production, and a power ball mini
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 0
From: OREGON
thanks for the comment rich
i was just gonna ask about the gray on the inserts... also do i need any kind of soft scraper to remove the clear after i apply the stripper? also what grit would make for a better finish 1500 wet sand, or 2000 wet sand? or don't really matter?
i was just gonna ask about the gray on the inserts... also do i need any kind of soft scraper to remove the clear after i apply the stripper? also what grit would make for a better finish 1500 wet sand, or 2000 wet sand? or don't really matter?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 27
From: Valparaiso
you will have to do all the sand from the harder grit till 600 i guess
600 will make the alum real soft and pure of imperfections,when its soft,and plain,use the polish compound and you will see the mirror shine in minutes ! its up to you if you want to get till 1500 - 2000
600 will make the alum real soft and pure of imperfections,when its soft,and plain,use the polish compound and you will see the mirror shine in minutes ! its up to you if you want to get till 1500 - 2000
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: New Port Richey Florida
thanks for the comment rich
i was just gonna ask about the gray on the inserts... also do i need any kind of soft scraper to remove the clear after i apply the stripper? also what grit would make for a better finish 1500 wet sand, or 2000 wet sand? or don't really matter?
i was just gonna ask about the gray on the inserts... also do i need any kind of soft scraper to remove the clear after i apply the stripper? also what grit would make for a better finish 1500 wet sand, or 2000 wet sand? or don't really matter?
Last edited by rich653; Feb 4, 2008 at 07:42 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,324
Likes: 250
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I left the tires on and had no problems with the stripper eating my tires for lunch. 
I wan't planning on doing the grey inserts, so I masked them off. What little clear that was left around the perimeter, was easily sanded off.
I went all the way to 2500 grit.
I wan't planning on doing the grey inserts, so I masked them off. What little clear that was left around the perimeter, was easily sanded off.
I went all the way to 2500 grit.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 211
Likes: 2
From: Clarksville MD.
Clear Coat
I am in the process of stripping my '94 sawblades. Anyone clear coated their rims themselves? What product did you use?
If not what product do you suggest to protect the polished only rims?
Thanks in advance.
Tim
If not what product do you suggest to protect the polished only rims?
Thanks in advance.
Tim
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: New Port Richey Florida
I know there's a lot of different opinions, all I can tell you is from my experience there was no damage to rubber parts, I did put masking tape around the valve stems and diameter of the wheel, rinsed very well with water when I was done. That was 6 months ago and all the tires are still up and holding air with no sign of deteriating.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: New Port Richey Florida
You know I'm not sure it was Eastwood, but if you google por-strip you'll find it in a couple of places, for sure www.marine-paint.com 14.50 qt. and I only used about 1/2. I've also used DEKOTE from Eastwood and that worked equally as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 27
From: Valparaiso
DO NOT CLEAR COAT after the polish
leave the aluminum just like that
if you clear coat the wheels it will be like putting a nylon on a mirror !!!
hey AGENT ...did you use 2500 grit and no more ?
Before 2500 did you use something ?
THANX
leave the aluminum just like that
if you clear coat the wheels it will be like putting a nylon on a mirror !!!
hey AGENT ...did you use 2500 grit and no more ?
Before 2500 did you use something ?
THANX
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,324
Likes: 250
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I probably have 6 hours on each wheel.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 430
Likes: 113
From: Easton, PA
Finally Finished
Earlier today I put the last of my refinished wheels back on my 89. I started this in early February and it has taken until today to getter done. About 100 hours of stripping, wet sanding and polishing went into this. each wheel took a little less time once I got the hang of it. The biggest PITA was the silver paint in the openings under the clear. That took the most time. I used 800 and 1200 wet sandpaper along with a buffing wheel and rouge on my air grinder. The last finish was applied with an orbital polisher and Nano polish then hand buffed. Here are a few pictures
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
If youre dead set on polishing....No clear needed afterwards. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ed&forum_id=34
had intended only on stripping the clear and re-clearing, I like the factory finish. Got stupid and "helped" the paint stripper out with scotchbrite and put scratches in the wheel. pretty much comitted at that point to polish. Take your time as the above poster did and let the stripper do the work and re-clear.
For sawblades Eastwood makes a nice spray zinc paint that would look real nice in the coves.
[
had intended only on stripping the clear and re-clearing, I like the factory finish. Got stupid and "helped" the paint stripper out with scotchbrite and put scratches in the wheel. pretty much comitted at that point to polish. Take your time as the above poster did and let the stripper do the work and re-clear.
For sawblades Eastwood makes a nice spray zinc paint that would look real nice in the coves.
[