Refinishing Vintage Wheels
 

I have a set of American racing wheels on my truck. They are the 200s wheels. I am fixing to get some new tires and I am wanting to refinish the wheels while the tires are off. Can anyone tell me what the finished product should look like if I wanted them to be original. Mine currently just look like dull cast aluminum/magnesium. I believe this is the correct look for my spokes, but I think the lip should be polished. Was the lip polished from the factory? Or was is it more of a as machined look? What would be the best way to replicate an original finish?

Here is what I think I am going to do, tell me if you have any suggestions or if you think I am on the right track. I plan on starting to sand the lip of my wheel with 600 grit, followed by wet sanding with 1000, 2000, and then finally 3000 grit. I am then going to polish the lip out to a shine. I intend to practice on the back of the wheels first. For the spokes I am going to cover the lip with 4 or 5 layer of duct tape and then have the spokes media blasted. Nowhere local does glass beading, so I am planning on plastic beads.

Does this sound like the right procedure? Anyone have any pictures? Anyone ever done this personally? Suggestions on polishing procedure?

Re: Refinishing Vintage Wheels
 

Still got my set. I think your polishing procedure will work just fine. If anything just Google "aluminum polishing procedure" and I be a bunch pops up.

...and yes, originally cast aluminum spokes with polished lips.

Re: Refinishing Vintage Wheels
 

Been thinking about them for Pinky .Period correct look and available in 17's.

Re: Refinishing Vintage Wheels
 

I really like your truck with these wheels .... course Ive only told you that fifty times LOL!

Re: Refinishing Vintage Wheels
 

Thanks CG......I almost refinished mine in the original Yeller and White, but I've had it for so long, I had to change it. Glad I held on to the wheels though cuz they'll probably end up on my recently purchased 68 once I change to 5 lug.

Re: Refinishing Vintage Wheels
 

They looked good when you first got your truck finished. I bet they will look great when you get to working on the 68. You have a real good eye for proportions and color.

Re: Refinishing Vintage Wheels
 

Ok, thanks guys. I think that is what I'm going to do. Can't wait to see how they turn out! I'm just nervous about taking 600 grit paper across my vintage wheels :/