Removing Clearcoat and Polishing Wheels

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Nov 17, 2001 | 09:39 PM

cantdrv65

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From: TEXASS

Removing Clearcoat and Polishing Wheels

I recently purchased some used wheels and wanted to see how good I could get them to look. These are aluminum Konig Monsoons clearcoated lip. I removed the clearcoat by wet sanding with 320 grit then stepping all the way to 1200. Next I used jewelers rouge to start the mirror finish. Finally I finished with a ultra fine metal polish I purchased at a car show. WHAT A SHINE!!! The lip now rivals some of the really high end wheels and is outstanding... Anyone else ever try this with aluminum wheels??? <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

Nov 18, 2001 | 10:08 PM

XLR8NSS

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Re: Removing Clearcoat and Polishing Wheels

Sounds nice.

Have fun keeping them clean. <img src="images/icons/tongue.gif" border="0"> <img src="images/icons/grin.gif" border="0">

I'm a lazy person so there is no way I would remove the clearcoat from my wheels. <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0"> I just wipe them down with soap and water and man they look good. <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

I learned my lesson about uncleared aluminum wheels when I had Convo Pros on my old S-10. Now that was a job. All those little ribs to keep clean. Never again!

Post some pics so we can see'em.

XLR8NSS

Nov 19, 2001 | 07:43 AM

BIGBOS

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Re: Removing Clearcoat and Polishing Wheels

I think it would be worse if you were to get a scratch...most get cut into the clear a little and you can get them out...if you take the clear off and scratch a part its going to be noticeable..or if there are chemicals on the road that get on there and get smeared all over the clearcoat you most likely can wipe it off....with no clear coat it will absorb into the aluminum....
then that rim is toast...

Be careful where you drive...

[ November 19, 2001: Message edited by: BIGBOS ]</p>

Nov 19, 2001 | 09:58 AM

cantdrv65

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From: TEXASS

Re: Removing Clearcoat and Polishing Wheels

Actually I already took out some HUGE scratches from curb rash through the use of a dremel tool before and sanded and polished to a mirror finish. They will actually be easier to clean as no crevices are available for dirt to collect with the mirror finish. As for scratches they are very easily polished out of alluminum and I don't have to put up with UGLY clearcoat discoloration or peeling. <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

Mar 26, 2004 | 09:19 AM

cgworth

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well enough talking lets see some pics of these nicely polished wheels

Mar 26, 2004 | 09:46 AM

slow

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From: Orlando

i've done it to a scrap 2002 WS6 rim i have laying around.

Much shinier, but cleaning them is going to be a pain.

I've considered doing it to my 98 Ws6 rims, to clean them up.. but its too much work, and woudl make cleaning them a pain.

When its not a daily driver, i may still do it.

Ryan