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Got lucky and found some local that was parting a 79 C3 with several parts I needed for my 79 project car. Among the parts were some original Kelsey Hayes Aluminum Wheels. They are in very good condition with just one minor spot where there is a small curb scrub. Of course they have some oxidation and need a good cleaning. My question is what is the best method to clean and polish these to get them back to looking new. I know modern wheels have a clear coat on them but I don't believe they did that back in the 70's. Here a couple pics of what they look like. From what I can see of the stamping on them, they are a matched set, but I haven't cleaned them at all to verify all markings match.
I believe they were clear coated, at least my '77s were. The clear coat yellowed so I stripped them. Hit them with some billet aluminum mag polish and repainted the centers. Those look like they may need a bit more aggressive treatment though to bring them back. The problem is trying to restore or retain that original "machined" finish. Those will probably require a good scrubbing with emery cloth and steel wool. You'll end up with a more polished finish but they'll still look great
Another good option after you clean them is to powder coat them
I looked into clear powder coat. I was told it requires a roughened surface to stick. The grit blast process would result in a matte finish under the clear.
I'm thinking about trying Mother's aluminum mag wheel cleaner and see how that does. Will test on the back first to make sure it doesn't harm the finish, but I'm thinking it would work.
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Correct me if I'm wrong but the '76 wheel was not polished from the factory but a more natural aluminium appearance or matte finish. In '78 and later years I believe the wheels were polished. The OP could try hydrofloric acid diluted with water which can be bought already mixed. Can't remember the brand names. This will remove all the tarnish, etc and bring back the natural colour. I used this stuff on my aluminium vv covers with good results as I didn't want a polished look.
Last edited by resdoggie; Oct 23, 2016 at 10:43 AM.
Now, having a minute or three. Muriatic acid, 'watered down' hydrochloric acid, is frequently used for cleaning masonry, removing rust, etc. Still not nice stuff, but it won't kill you off like HF will. This should not be interpreted as a recommendation to use muriatic, however.
Last edited by Dirty Dalton; Oct 23, 2016 at 03:49 PM.
I'd be afraid to use such a harsh chemical partly in fear of damaging the rims and also the poisonous fumes that it emits. Also, from what you said, 78 and later where polished and since mine is a 79 and should be polished, I think that would remove any polish as well.
The aluminum wheels were not 'highly' polished, but they were always polished to a 'subtle' shine. There were no 'dull matte' finish wheels that came from the Corvette factory (from my recollection, anyway).
Geeze, read what you reference, man! Its diluted considerably when purchased off the shelf and is safe when USED AS DIRECTED. I'm still here to tell how I used it on my vv covers.
The aluminum wheels were not 'highly' polished, but they were always polished to a 'subtle' shine. There were no 'dull matte' finish wheels that came from the Corvette factory (from my recollection, anyway).
I've seen the factory finish on the aluminum wheels referred to as a "machined" finish.
Geeze, read what you reference, man! Its diluted considerably when purchased off the shelf and is safe when USED AS DIRECTED. I'm still here to tell how I used it on my vv covers.
Then, trust me, you didn't use Hydroflouric Acid, diluted or not.
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Originally Posted by Ed Harrow
Then, trust me, you didn't use Hydroflouric Acid, diluted or not.
Read what I wrote.
Trust me, you need to read this. Some guy who claims he has a PhD wrote it. I think it was written for folks just like you. And again, I used this **** diluted.
I bought a used set like yours a few years back $200 all 4. Looked similar too.
1. I wet sanded the wheels with real light grit wet dry 1500 paper until clean & smooth.
2. Then used a cordless drill with a polish wheel pad & compound rouge then white compound. This took all day but well worth it, wheels look terrific
almost chrome now. 75 coupe restored 2014
Trust me, you need to read this. Some guy who claims he has a PhD wrote it. I think it was written for folks just like you. And again, I used this **** diluted.
I'm thinking about trying Mother's aluminum mag wheel cleaner and see how that does. Will test on the back first to make sure it doesn't harm the finish, but I'm thinking it would work.
That's what I used on the wheels off a 76 that I purchased for my `73 - - inside barrels and face-repainted the black and final polish with Semi-Chrome and a ball buffer. . .probably 4-5 hours per wheel.
Kelsey Hayes Aluminum Wheels
Its diluted considerably when purchased off the shelf and is safe when USED AS DIRECTED. I'm still here to tell how I used it on my vv covers.
