DopeFedZ

iTrader: (34)

Picked up a set of used FM5s. I polished the barrels and cleaned them up. I've already polished a couple of the centers but Im contemplating doing a brushed look on all of them. I did one to see what it looks like and was wondering what you guys thought.

The polished centers looks nice but I know they are alot of work to keep looking good. If I brush the centers I can apply a clear powder coat over them or even with automotive clear and a spray gun.

Here are some pics let me know what you think. I'll probably be selling them too I don't know if I want to replace my classics on my SS with these.

mac62989

iTrader: (1)

I always liked the polished centers but like you said the upkeep is already rough with just polished lips. I guess chrome for the centers is an option if you want bling but I dont know if that would look weird against polished lips.

Kevin97ss

Brushed gets the nod. True, polished centers are routine maintenance. My lack of enthusiasm for them is loss of detail in the cnc artistry. They scatter light so all that is seen is gleam, glare and reflections. Brushed on the other hand draws you into its detail which, to me is striking.

Orange Juice

iTrader: (3)

Did you have a hard time stripping the original coating on the centers? How did you achieve the consistent brushed finish? I like the bushed better btw.

DopeFedZ

iTrader: (34)

I agree. Im gonna do the brushed finish on the rest.
This particlar set was older so the original coating was very thin in most places and in others it had already pretty much dissappeared. I did the brushed finish by hand with a red scotchbrite pad.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

I've owned Fikse Profil F5's, which had the technipolish center, and it was a lot easier to keep clean. I've also owned CCW 505'a wheels, which were bare polished aluminum, and they were a bitch to keep clean. I literally polished them every time after driving the car. I also have terrible OCD when it comes to that kind of stuff, but that's another story. Now I have Race Star Dark Star wheels, and damn they are easy to keep clean. If I were you, I would go with the brushed centers, or even maybe try some type of subtle silver/grey/pewter/black chorme. Always thought that would look nice.

DopeFedZ

iTrader: (34)

Well I practiced clear coating a scrap piece of brushed aluminum and I wasnt too thrilled with the end result.

So for now these are polished and for sale.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/texas-cla...l#post18689622

Kevin97ss

Did you use a gloss clear? I think a satin clear may have produced the look you were going after.

BTW, what was your process for polishing the centers...cause it was fast with good results.

DopeFedZ

iTrader: (34)

I used a benchtop buffer with various buffing wheels and tripoli and white diamond polish.