Methods for restoring wheels
 

Looked and looked and have about decided to spend some money and time on the factory wheels instead of buy new ones. Not to impressed with most new wheels and the the ones I do like are way more than I want to spend.

I painted the 'spokes' on these red and really like the way they looked. But the clear coat is apparently giving up and I need to do something to make them 'shine' again.

http://i.imgur.com/Zxsk4YCl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1zV9XKml.jpg

They are a machined finish and clear coated it appears. I would like to strip and polish so they shine. I really think that would be a good looks, but the center cap is plastic and I see no way to do anything 'polish' it. Anyone know if there are other center caps that fit? Or some way to get a 'polished' finish on the center caps?

Unless someone has a great idea on the center caps I am thinking I will end up stripping them, as in giving them a good cleaning. Once the aluminum is clean, repaint the spokes red and then clear coating them again.

If anyone has any tips or ideas I would love to hear them.

Re: Methods for restoring wheels
 

aircraft paint stripper works well in removing the clear coat. then do your due diligence cleaning them up, wipe them down with a wax and grease remover, paint the bits you want red, and clear coat over everything. i would do 2-3 coats at a minimum.

i'm not sure on the cap, sorry i can't help you there. might be worth finding one in a salvage yard and doing a test run on it.

Re: Methods for restoring wheels
 

Did some reading online and found some videos but read one that got my attention. It was basically saying that the coatings are baked on and one even says that some manufacturers use a clear powder coat. Don't know if there is a clear powder coat but the part about it being baked on makes sense and explains why it is so tough. I know I will never be able to put anything on as tough at home.

But this article made a lot of sense. http://store.carcareonline.com/repai...honwheels.aspx I used some wheel cleaners that may have damaged the clear coat. He talks about polishing the clear coat, using some stronger polish and this makes sense to me.

So I took a piece of 1500 grit and wet sanded a 'spoke'. While it is a little dull now, it looks better than it did. I think going over this with good rubbing/polishing compound on this spot may just bring back the finish. It would be at least a huge improvement over what it looks like now.

Re: Methods for restoring wheels
 

BEFORE

http://i.imgur.com/1zV9XKml.jpg

AFTER

http://i.imgur.com/c4YClrJl.jpg

Sanded them with 1500 grit paper with some soapy water.

Then Turtle Wax polishing compound on a 5 inch(?) dia. sewn buff on the drill and started polishing.

Takes about 15-20 minute a wheel on the car. I did have to be careful and use a light touch and low speeds or you will damage the clear coat. Never let the wheel dry out! I burned one small spot when I let it get dry. But once I got the feel of it, it went rather quickly.

I had a loose 10" buff on my grinder and it really made the center look good, very quickly. I wish I had a slow speed polisher and could have used that wheel on the wheels, it would be perfect.

Tomorrow I will clean the tires and the painted spokes and wax them really good.

Re: Methods for restoring wheels
 

That looks really nice.

Re: Methods for restoring wheels
 

I am really surprised at well they cleaned up! I thought I would have to strip them honestly. I keep going and looking to see if they really look that good.