Polishing Alcoa rims

[bruker]

I have s set of Alcoa rims that are in pretty decent shape but have been neglected in regards to shining them up. What's the best way to polish them and get them nce a shiney again? Is there a factory clear coat on them and if so does it need to be removed?

 

[Uncle Gump]

They are clear coated...

This process is out of my wheelhouse... someone will offer techniques to clean them up.

 

[gw33gp]

If they still have the clear coat on them, I would just use a polishing compound and wax it, like you would with the paint on your vehicle. If the finish is very bad, you may want to use a rubbing compound first.

If the clear coat has been removed, just use a good aluminum polishing compound.

 

[don4331]

If the clear coat has been removed, just use a good aluminum polishing compound.; then spray them with clearcoat so you don't have to do it again for few years.

 

[pjtoledo]

how 'bout some pics.
is the clear coat chipped/cracked?
corrosion creeping under the clear coat?

I'm over in Toledo where they use salt every chance they get.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Im lazy so I use power tools lol. the white and yellow buffing discs work great with one of those multi colored polishing compound packs. For the final finish I use blue magic, its my all time favorite metal polish. Takes scratches out too if you use a wet diaper cloth.

 

[sgtsandman]

I agree with above. Figure out the condition of the clear coat and if there is any remaining that needs removed or if the coating is in good shape and just needs the brake dust and road grime removed. If the clear coat is broken, make sure it's all removed, clean and polish the wheels, and reapply a good clear coat on them so you don't have to keep buffing them every time you turn around.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

+1 again agreed with above. And to elaborate on clearcoats, I would use something made for metal and uv fade resistant. My local metal supply shop has some good stuff, but I'm sure specialty or even big box hardware store will have options too. One spray can per wheel should do it, maybe a spare to touch up/finish.

 

[rubydist]

You will find that after you polish those aluminum wheels till they are nice and shiny, that most clear paint will not stick. So, you need to find some that states it will adhere to bare metal (made to clearcoat polished wheels) and use that. Most of those are 2k products, which is what I recommend anyway since they are much harder and more likely to last. Look at Eastman for example, that is what I have used with pretty good success.

 

[1990RangerinSK]

They are clear coated...

This process is out of my wheelhouse... someone will offer techniques to clean them up.

Well played, sir. Well played.