aluminum wheel repair

[zstroken]

I have a set of aftermarket aluminum wheels and the clear coating is peeling pretty bad. Any body stripped the clear coat and just keep them polished? How about getting them reclear coated? Getting them chromed? I would like to find somewhere somewhat local, since i don't want to have to ship 5 wheels.

THanks for the info

 

[Philip]

The last time I got a quote on getting alum rims re-polished. I was told $100 per rim>per side. Most pickup rims are only polished on one side. If you have a dually they wanted $200. per rim to do both sides.



I don't know what town you live in. On U. S. 31 North not to far before the U. S. 30 junction there is a retreaders shop. They used to have a sign up advertising wheel polishing.



If you want to repolish them your self. Start with about 220 grit sand paper. When you get all the clear coat off. Then jump to 400 grit. After you get the 220 swirls out. Then go up to 1,000 grit and use water this time. When it get it smoothed out with 1,000 grit. Your ready for polish. I use mothers alum polish myself.



One side note.



Do Not sand across the rims. Always around it.



The rim was machined on a lathe. If you try to sand across it. You will be in for a lot of work.

 

[bighammer]

How 'bout powdercoating? Just a thought, not necessarily a good one.

 

[Timbeaux38]

I know of a place that will sell you factory aluminum rims for any application for $150. Let me know if you are interested

 

[y-knot]

i learned along time ago to stay away from clear coated aluminum wheels. They only last a few years till they start turning yellow and the clear peels. The best thing you could do would be to sand the remaining clear off with a very fine grade sandpaper, and then polish them out yourself. The polishing doesn't take that long if you get the right products. just need a good 3/8 drill, a few buffs and some buffing compound, oh yell..... some elbow grease and a few pounds of determination.

I buy alot of supplies from Caswell, they can be reached at

www.caswellplating.com

 

[stacerbob]

WHEEL WORKS Memphis, TN I can get the number from work tomorrow if you can't find it.