Wheels
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Brea CA
Wheels
I have the chromed aluminum 5 spoke wheels on my C-5. The previous owner of my car must have used a cleaner that partially removed the coating on the aluminum. I have used simichrome trying to bring the shine back, but as we all know, this process will have to be repeated quite frequently to keep the shine. I know of a wheel restorer who can lightly machine wheels and will re-powdercoat them. Anyone have any suggestions?
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 593
Likes: 12
From: Maryland Heights MO
That sucks! I did the same thing to the wheels on my 4Runner. I used the wrong cleaner and it totally took the shine away from my wheels. If you figure out a cheap way to fix the problem let me know.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 3
From: pasadena in the great state of TEXAS
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 235
From: North Carolina
Could be the wheels are the OEM high polished 5spokes. Previous owner may have went ape cleaning the barrels and outter edges and removed most of the clearcoat., but left the spokes in decent shape.
If so, you could get them refinished (polished) then clearcoated. We'll see if JMBickel can post a pic.
If so, you could get them refinished (polished) then clearcoated. We'll see if JMBickel can post a pic.
Last edited by MAC5; Feb 27, 2007 at 12:21 AM.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Easley South Carolina
Yea it really sux, I bought new rims for my Jeep CJ-7 an did the same thing like a week later I must have tried everything But its cool now b/c i scratched then rims and dont mind the not so shiny look and more as apposed to the rock mawled look I only use soap and water on my truck and Vette now
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 43
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
JMBickel,
From your description of the problem it does not sound like you have a chromed wheel. Rather, it sounds like you have a high polished wheel topped with a clearcoat, and the clearcoat is peeling. (I've heard people mistakenly refer to the high polished wheels as being chromed.) If I am correct, you need to have the clearcoat reapplied, which will undoubtedly require stripping off the old clearcoat.
From your description of the problem it does not sound like you have a chromed wheel. Rather, it sounds like you have a high polished wheel topped with a clearcoat, and the clearcoat is peeling. (I've heard people mistakenly refer to the high polished wheels as being chromed.) If I am correct, you need to have the clearcoat reapplied, which will undoubtedly require stripping off the old clearcoat.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,176
Likes: 1
From: Hafnafjörður Iceland
JMBickel,
From your description of the problem it does not sound like you have a chromed wheel. Rather, it sounds like you have a high polished wheel topped with a clearcoat, and the clearcoat is peeling. (I've heard people mistakenly refer to the high polished wheels as being chromed.) If I am correct, you need to have the clearcoat reapplied, which will undoubtedly require stripping off the old clearcoat.
From your description of the problem it does not sound like you have a chromed wheel. Rather, it sounds like you have a high polished wheel topped with a clearcoat, and the clearcoat is peeling. (I've heard people mistakenly refer to the high polished wheels as being chromed.) If I am correct, you need to have the clearcoat reapplied, which will undoubtedly require stripping off the old clearcoat.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Brea CA
Wheels
Ok, I had to wait for the rain to stop today before pulling out of the garage. Here are a couple of pics of the wheels, but tough to see the damaged areas. I tried to shoot some of the ugly areas at the bottom of the barrel of the wheel. If you look closely at the bottom area of the barrel, you can see the areas where the finish is stripped off.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
From: Brea CA
Wheels
Thanks everyone. I will have to go to a refinisher here locally and see what he can do. I know he does real good work from alking to people around here.
You sure can't beat a chrome wheel!
You sure can't beat a chrome wheel!