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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NC
Posts: 666
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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? |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,970
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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.
__________________
72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - ![]() My Build Thread |
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#3 |
70+ ( Old Skool Club )
![]() Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada
Posts: 9,117
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Re: Refinishing Vintage Wheels
Been thinking about them for Pinky .Period correct look and available in 17's.
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1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021 |
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#4 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,863
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Re: Refinishing Vintage Wheels
I really like your truck with these wheels .... course Ive only told you that fifty times LOL!
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 1,970
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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.
__________________
72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - ![]() My Build Thread |
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#6 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,863
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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.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NC
Posts: 666
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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 :/
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american racing, polishing, refinishing, restore, wheels |
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