Refinishing Vintage Wheels

[cjohnson6772]

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?

[SactoJim]

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.

[Already Gone]

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

[CG]

Originally Posted by SactoJim

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.

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

[SactoJim]

Originally Posted by CG

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

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.

[CG]

Originally Posted by SactoJim

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.

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.

[cjohnson6772]

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 :/