Polishing aluminum wheels

[jbakerinc]

Hey guys. I was wondering if anyone has ever wet sanded and polished their rims. I lucked into a set of aluminum slots (which i think are awsome) but they are a little rough. I did a few sample spots with wet 600 grit and it looks to be working but i dont want to go full speed ahead without a little advise. Any info would help. I have access to cnc machines and was thinking about gettin them taped for some fake beadloks. what do ya think??

 

[BlackBII]

Your off to a good start! Now repeat the process with 800, 1000, 1500, and mirror fine sand paper till they are smooth as possible. Once you are sure that there are no deep scratches and the rim is smooth as glass then you are ready to polish. The sanding should be wet-sanding with plenty of water!

Now, I would get some Aluminum Polish, Mothers is good stuff, and a 100% cotton rag. Buff and Polish until shiny Add some car wax and call it good.

I would pass on the fake beadlocks, everyone will know they are fake lol

 

[jbakerinc]

has anyone ever use any of those scotchbrite polishing disks??? i have them at work and was just wondering how they might work???

 

[1badexplorer]

I use a buffing wheel that goes into my cordless drill and it cleans them up very well, i've tried several brands and they all work well.

 

[slimchriz]

Not to steal the thread but I was gonna ask a similar question.

I used rubbing compound and then aluminum polish on mine with one of those buffer wheels that you where using but how do i get into the tight spots? my wheels are now shiny but in the narrow areas they are still really dull

 

[RebelAssaultTruk]

never use any acidic chemicals on your aluminum...i had aluminum eagle alloys n didnt care much for them they retained a lot of dirt n dust...n i made mistake of using an acidic cleaner it ate into it a little.

 

[1badexplorer]

You can buy a smaller wheel that comes to a point at the end if you have tight spots to reach. I got 3 trucks that have either eagle 589s or alcoas so I'm used to cleaning alot of wheels lol and yes never use acid on aluminum wheels unless you plan on spending the next week sanding the wheels smooth again because the acid ate into them

 

[91rangerxlt]

the best way to polish alum. rims is to get stuck in 4 foot of snow and put it in 4 wheel drive. i did this last winter and my rims looked like new lol

 

[REDRUM]

I hate polishing my wheels too. Next wheels I buy I make sure they will be clear coated.

Here's what I do.
First, i wash em. cause for some reason they don;t get wet when I drive in the rain.
Then, I use Mother's polish on a cotton rag/T-shirt.
for the tough spots, I use the white compound with a felt bob on the cordless drill.

The compound and felt bobs/buffing wheels can be found at Home Cheepo or Pep Boyz

Oh yeah, I have eagle 063 wheels 15x10