Refinishing aluminum wheels

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Jan 17, 2011 | 10:01 AM

jump

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From: Springfield IL

Refinishing aluminum wheels

So I started tackling this project last weekend. My 5 spoke's were in pretty bad shape when I bought my 2002. Pitted real bad on the interior of the rim. I read quite a few of the posts on here and on the net and started experimenting. I'm 90% into the first wheel and I must say, its a pain in the ****! lol, actually, the sanding isn't bad, its the clear coat removal. I've been using Kleen airplane stripper and its just okay, took several coats of that to get the clear off. Once off, the sanding has gone pretty well. I started with 320, then 600, 1000 wet, 1500 wet. I experimented with 0000# and some scotch brite, but the regular 3M sand paper has done well. I'm going to go up one more notch and hit it with 2000 tonight. I have to go buy some.

I'll post some before and after pics, so far it looks pretty good with just the last sanding with 1500 but I want to go ahead and use the 2000 to take out some minor scratches that I still see.

The next 3 wheels I may try some walnut shell dust for clear removal as I have access to a blaster. I don't have access to a soda blaster, that appears to be the sanding of choice. Although, I did find a DIY soda blaster here. Looks interesting anyway.

Jan 17, 2011 | 10:13 AM

joecaver

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waiting for before/after pics.

Jan 17, 2011 | 11:43 AM

Jistari

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Thank you for that link to the DIY Soda Blaster, never know when something like that will come in handy

Jan 17, 2011 | 01:01 PM

Vetteman Jack

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Good luck with the rest of the wheels. Looking forward to seeing your pics.

Jan 17, 2011 | 01:22 PM

robert miller

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From: cookeville tennessee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack

Good luck with the rest of the wheels. Looking forward to seeing your pics.

also on the DIY pic,s also when done...

Jan 17, 2011 | 01:26 PM

Black04Z06

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From: Arden NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jistari

Thank you for that link to the DIY Soda Blaster, never know when something like that will come in handy

Thats cool!

Jan 17, 2011 | 01:32 PM

Vette Gator 01

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From: Pensacola Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jistari

Thank you for that link to the DIY Soda Blaster, never know when something like that will come in handy

Jan 17, 2011 | 06:19 PM

$$$frumnuttin'

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From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----

are you placing the clearcoated wheel in a tray of solvent? let it soak for several days...it should come off or dissolve easily...no need to scrub it...