View Full Version : Restoring aluminum wheels
Anybody ever try restoring a set of corroded aluminum wheels? I found a set for pretty short money that have oxidation in spots, but otherwise in good shape. I've searched online for methods of restoring, but want to know if anyone has first hand knowledge. This is one of them, the rest are pretty much the same.
http://images.craigslist.org/00M0M_gMJsXxUsKeZ_600x450.jpg
16" WHEELS GMC YUKON 245 75 16 (http://nh.craigslist.org/pts/4656787805.html)
It's been my experience it's a waste of time trying to restore that style wheel. A powder coating job with a really good prep, though probably cost prohibitive. May be cheaper to acquire a nice after market wheel.
m and t's77
11-09-2014, 12:06pm
Don't limit yourself to chevy/gm. Ads that say aftermarket/Toyota 6 lug rims will fit your truck.
Don't limit yourself to chevy/gm. Ads that say aftermarket/Toyota 6 lug rims will fit your truck.
Well, that's good to know, thanks! :cert:
Kerrmudgeon
11-09-2014, 1:58pm
Problem is once the plastic coating starts peeling off, you're screwed. You can get them sand blasted and polished but for durability blasting and powder coat is the way to go. Mine still look pretty good after 8 or 9 years. :seasix:
Plasti-dip
:ack: Not my cup of tea
If you don't want them to look like they originally did it's not an expensive proposition to clean them up and paint them...
That's just it, I do want them to look factory. I know there are several methods out there to do that, but wanted to know if anyone here had done it. :confused5:
I've done quite a bit of auto painting, but never on aluminum. Didn't know whether the same methods would work well :confused5:
Grey Ghost
11-09-2014, 5:46pm
Scuff 'em and paint them.
Kerrmudgeon
11-09-2014, 6:05pm
These were blasted and painted by powdercoat in the original silver color. Mind you, they are very dirty here and it's an old/bad pic but they looked like brand new factory wheels when I got them back.:cheers:
http://oi57.tinypic.com/a0kshk.jpg
You pretty much have no alternative because of the plastic center caps on them. They HAVE to be painted to be restored.
These were blasted and painted by powdercoat in the original silver color. Mind you, they are very dirty here and it's an old/bad pic but they looked like brand new factory wheels when I got them back.:cheers:
http://oi57.tinypic.com/a0kshk.jpg
You pretty much have no alternative because of the plastic center caps on them. They HAVE to be painted to be restored.
Those are the same wheels I'm looking at :cert:
Unfortunately, the guy selling them hasn't answered my email yet :toetap:
Die grinder & ultra fine scotch-brite pads, then a little 6000 sandpaper & polish and they'll be shining better than when new. Piece of cake
markids77
11-09-2014, 8:22pm
Die grinder & ultra fine scotch-brite pads, then a little 6000 sandpaper & polish and they'll be shining better than when new. Piece of cake
Yeah, after you strip the rest of the peeling clear off somehow using a stripper which will not turn the aluminum black, then you get to polish them bi-weekly forever to keep them looking that way. Automotive clearcoats will work for awhile but will eventually peel and you're back in the same situation they are in now. Media blasting and clear powdercoat is probably the best solution.
m and t's77
11-09-2014, 8:27pm
Those are the same wheels I'm looking at :cert:
Unfortunately, the guy selling them hasn't answered my email yet :toetap:
Dude....
posted: 2 months ago
updated: a month ago
RED-85-Z51
11-09-2014, 8:49pm
I did mine...they were all white looking and milky. I sprayed talstrip aircraft coatng remover on, powerwashed it off...then buffed with some compound and wax...still look good today 2 years later.
Dude....
Doesn't mean he doesn't still have 'em. However, I suspect they are long gone too. I hate when people don't remove their ads! :mad:
m and t's77
11-09-2014, 8:56pm
I did mine...they were all white looking and milky. I sprayed talstrip aircraft coatng remover on, powerwashed it off...then buffed with some compound and wax...still look good today 2 years later.
Run them through some salt and sand like a typical winter up here and see how well they do.I have 3 sets of factory rims for my truck,daily driver tires off-road tires and a brand new set sitting in boxes.If I do have to get newer used truck it will be one purchased in a rust free area not from here.
Grey Ghost
11-09-2014, 8:59pm
4 Wheels and Tires 16 inch GM (http://nwga.craigslist.org/pts/4753368404.html)
4 Wheels and Tires 16 inch GM (http://nwga.craigslist.org/pts/4753368404.html)
Thanks! You don't mind picking 'em up and running 'em up here, do ya?:D
RED-85-Z51
11-09-2014, 9:29pm
Mein
Aerovette
11-09-2014, 10:07pm
Red,
Why are your pics all thumbnails? I don't even know how to do that if I tried.
Grey Ghost
11-09-2014, 10:44pm
Thanks! You don't mind picking 'em up and running 'em up here, do ya?:D
"They said it can't be done"
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/american-truckers-relives-epic-smokey-and-the-bandit-beer-run-32288_1.jpg
RED-85-Z51
11-09-2014, 11:18pm
Red,
Why are your pics all thumbnails? I don't even know how to do that if I tried.
Too lazy to host them...im usually on my phone, so I click add attachment, select the folder, select image, upload...voila.
Mein
That's what I'm talking about! :seasix:
Too lazy to host them...im usually on my phone, so I click add attachment, select the folder, select image, upload...voila.
Can you explain that a bit more in depth? How do I send a photo from the phone to a VB post?
RedLS1GTO
11-10-2014, 9:03am
Run them through some salt and sand like a typical winter up here and see how well they do.
:iagree:
I've owned quite a few vehicles over the years with similar wheel finishes. I don't care how well you take care of them, they aren't going to last. Nature of the beast. I can't remember the last time I saw a GM truck wheel that wasn't corroded.
It adds character.
Chicks dig character.
(Isn't that how the old commercial went?)
Media blasting and clear powdercoat is probably the best solution.
I had a set of (Corvette) wheels that had this done. If anything is going to work, I think this would be it. Problem is you are quickly into the problem of paying more than they are actually worth to have them refinished.
Y2Kvert4me
11-10-2014, 9:23am
Can you explain that a bit more in depth? How do I send a photo from the phone to a VB post?
1. Type your post.
2. Just under the reply box, there is an option that says "attach photos and files", press that "add attachment" button.
3. On the screen that appears, browse and select the picture(s) from your device. You can select up 6 at a time.
4. Press the upload button.
5. When the picture(s) are uploaded, close that window.
5.5 (optional). You can preview your post at this point if you wish. If you've done the above correctly, the attachment thumbnail(s) will be visible in the post preview.
6. Submit your post.
:cert:
1. Type your post.
2. Just under the reply box, there is an option that says "attach photos and files", press that "add attachment" button.
3. On the screen that appears, browse and select the picture(s) from your device. You can select up 6 at a time.
4. Press the upload button.
5. When the picture(s) are uploaded, close that window.
5.5 (optional). You can preview your post at this point if you wish. If you've done the above correctly, the attachment thumbnail(s) will be visible in the post preview.
6. Submit your post.
:cert:
Got it! I didn't realize you could attach a pic while posting from the phone. See kitten thread.
Thanks to you and Red!
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