Refinishing aluminum wheels, anyone? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

burton'sblazer · 06-30-2013, 08:58 PM

I have a set of clear coated 8 lug bullet holes that are nice & straight, but the clear coat is shot. Best of all they have been paid for for years. Has anyone had any success refinishing this style of wheel? I have researched off this forum and found mixed results. I am looking for an option that won't break the bank. Just looking for some feedback, good or bad.

markedgar5 · 07-01-2013, 12:21 AM

There is definitely ways to redo them. Depends if they are pitted or not determines the amount of work required. Fortunately they are aluminum, which means solid material throughout. And a rim style that will always look good. Do a quick google search and you should find a good set of step by step instructions or PM me and I will send you a link on a few I found. Lots of elbow grease seems to be the key to a good restoration of the rims. Post up some befor/after pics.
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*70-K5* · 07-01-2013, 10:48 AM

You need to remove the clear coat, that is a lot harder than it sounds... Might look at some professional help from somebody with the right tools.

cleszkie · 07-01-2013, 02:22 PM

Easy Off oven cleaner will remove the clear coat. Then have them polished and a apply a clear powder coat. Going to cost a little. but the clear powder coat is very durable.

fun in dirt · 07-01-2013, 03:13 PM

x2 on the Easy Off...but not the low odor kind; it's crap. Get the nasty original stuff. Wear gloves. May take several times of spray, let sit, scrub, rinse...repeat.

burton'sblazer · 07-01-2013, 06:53 PM

Easy off you say, would never have guessed that. The wheels are almost perfect on the scuff side. Did not know there was a clear powder coat, will check with a local powder coat shop to see what the damage would be. To be honest, I REALLY want a set of white steelies & the 3/4 ton dog dishes, but hate to not use a good set of wheels that I already have.

chuckmc8 · 07-01-2013, 07:20 PM

Stop by the local truck stop that has a service center and they usually have a guy that does the big rig Alcoa rims. They can make 'em look great

06-30-2013, 08:58 PM	#1
burton'sblazer Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dawsonville, GA Posts: 55	Refinishing aluminum wheels, anyone? I have a set of clear coated 8 lug bullet holes that are nice & straight, but the clear coat is shot. Best of all they have been paid for for years. Has anyone had any success refinishing this style of wheel? I have researched off this forum and found mixed results. I am looking for an option that won't break the bank. Just looking for some feedback, good or bad. Attached Images

07-01-2013, 12:21 AM	#2
markedgar5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Kresgeville PA Posts: 110	Re: Refinishing aluminum wheels, anyone? There is definitely ways to redo them. Depends if they are pitted or not determines the amount of work required. Fortunately they are aluminum, which means solid material throughout. And a rim style that will always look good. Do a quick google search and you should find a good set of step by step instructions or PM me and I will send you a link on a few I found. Lots of elbow grease seems to be the key to a good restoration of the rims. Post up some befor/after pics. Posted via Mobile Device

07-01-2013, 10:48 AM	#3
70-K5 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2013 Location: West Linn Posts: 163	Re: Refinishing aluminum wheels, anyone? You need to remove the clear coat, that is a lot harder than it sounds... Might look at some professional help from somebody with the right tools.

07-01-2013, 02:22 PM	#4
cleszkie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 2,191	Re: Refinishing aluminum wheels, anyone? Easy Off oven cleaner will remove the clear coat. Then have them polished and a apply a clear powder coat. Going to cost a little. but the clear powder coat is very durable.

07-01-2013, 03:13 PM	#5
fun in dirt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,122	Re: Refinishing aluminum wheels, anyone? x2 on the Easy Off...but not the low odor kind; it's crap. Get the nasty original stuff. Wear gloves. May take several times of spray, let sit, scrub, rinse...repeat. __________________ '72 C to K20 "Cannibalizer" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32#post8653432 '85 K30 "Big Nassy" [B]'85 C10 [B] "Corpse" '01 2500 Suburban ...party wagon & tow truck '06 Silverado SS...DD '06 C1500 WT...DD '07 Classic C1500 WT...DD Built & sold cause can't keep 'em all: '72 Blazer "The Bucket" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433190 '55 Chevy straight axle gasser https://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173938 '69 Pro Street Chevelle http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332541 '86 M1031 CUCV http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553619

07-01-2013, 06:53 PM	#6
burton'sblazer Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dawsonville, GA Posts: 55	Re: Refinishing aluminum wheels, anyone? Easy off you say, would never have guessed that. The wheels are almost perfect on the scuff side. Did not know there was a clear powder coat, will check with a local powder coat shop to see what the damage would be. To be honest, I REALLY want a set of white steelies & the 3/4 ton dog dishes, but hate to not use a good set of wheels that I already have.

07-01-2013, 07:20 PM	#7
chuckmc8 It's alsways something..... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Douglasville GA Posts: 1,171	Re: Refinishing aluminum wheels, anyone? Stop by the local truck stop that has a service center and they usually have a guy that does the big rig Alcoa rims. They can make 'em look great __________________ 1968 RS Camaro 'Vert Matching number 327 and M21 Muncie 1968 C10 Black with red interior and orig paint. 5.3 / 4l60e,3:73 POSI 17" Torq Thrusts 1968 CST 514 Red with black interior. Buddy Buckets, Factory A/C, PS, PB- 20" AR custom shop TT, 5.3 and 4l60e



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