Look at these wheels - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**chevy71super** · 02-09-2003, 11:50 PM

I bought these wheels from red71cheyenne last fall. They were on a Blazer he bought. I took them home, washed them in an acid wash to get all the crud off. They were in fairly tough shape. Seems like the wet Washington weather allowed moss to grow on them and eat into the aluminum. No kidding. Like a moss on a rock. After I got them cleaned up I sanded them down with medium grit to get most of the nicks, scratches, moss holes, etc off of them. I followed with 220 grit, then 320 and then 400. (I probably should have used about a 600 grit after that.) After sanding I used my die grinder with a buffing pad attached. The one on the left is after the buffing wheel using the most aggressive grit. Next I will use a finer grit followed by Mothers wheel polish. I bet I have more than 6 hours on each wheel so far.

**chevy71super** · 02-09-2003, 11:53 PM

Here is a picture in front of the truck they are going on. I probably will mount new tires on them. If anyone has front center caps for sale let me know. (For a four wheel drive.) The opening in the center is about 4.25 inches. Thanks.

bugs4121 · 02-09-2003, 11:58 PM

wow they look great!!!! I was wondering since I saw your post.....I have american outlaw II's on my truck that are also in bad shape but the rims have the clearcoat on them could I also do the same process to bring them back to life????

**chevy71super** · 02-10-2003, 12:09 AM

You should be able to. I would go by a local bodyshop supply store and ask what you can use to strip the clearcoat off. Take a fine file to the big gouges and sand the scratches out. Use the least grit possible within reason. Allot of work but cheaper than buying new wheels. I plan on clear coating mine when they are done.

bugs4121 · 02-10-2003, 12:23 AM

thanks for the advice ..I will put it to good use... for I need to save a little to spend alot thanks again.

Old Chevy Lover · 02-10-2003, 12:37 AM

what type of acid wash did you use on them? I have a set of wheels that someone let go.. no piting or anything like that, just that black crud that gets on aluminum after so long (brake dust maybe)? whatever it is, its almost imposible to get off using wheel cleaner (never dull, mothers, any type of polish or spray cleaners).

**chevy71super** · 02-10-2003, 12:48 AM

Its manufactured by "Blue Lightening Restoration Products". I bought it in Western Washington at a parts swap meet. Its a rust dissolver. Worked well on the wheels but dulls them up. Will etch the aluminum. I had no problem polishing afterwards so there doesn't appear to be any long term affect.

02-09-2003, 11:50 PM	#1
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Look at these wheels I bought these wheels from red71cheyenne last fall. They were on a Blazer he bought. I took them home, washed them in an acid wash to get all the crud off. They were in fairly tough shape. Seems like the wet Washington weather allowed moss to grow on them and eat into the aluminum. No kidding. Like a moss on a rock. After I got them cleaned up I sanded them down with medium grit to get most of the nicks, scratches, moss holes, etc off of them. I followed with 220 grit, then 320 and then 400. (I probably should have used about a 600 grit after that.) After sanding I used my die grinder with a buffing pad attached. The one on the left is after the buffing wheel using the most aggressive grit. Next I will use a finer grit followed by Mothers wheel polish. I bet I have more than 6 hours on each wheel so far. Attached Images

02-09-2003, 11:53 PM	#2
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Here is a picture in front of the truck they are going on. I probably will mount new tires on them. If anyone has front center caps for sale let me know. (For a four wheel drive.) The opening in the center is about 4.25 inches. Thanks. Attached Images

02-09-2003, 11:58 PM	#3
bugs4121 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bowie,Maryland Posts: 56	wow they look great!!!! I was wondering since I saw your post.....I have american outlaw II's on my truck that are also in bad shape but the rims have the clearcoat on them could I also do the same process to bring them back to life???? __________________ -1972 K20 longbed -350 4 Barrel -4 speed

02-10-2003, 12:23 AM	#5
bugs4121 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bowie,Maryland Posts: 56	thanks for the advice ..I will put it to good use... for I need to save a little to spend alot thanks again. __________________ -1972 K20 longbed -350 4 Barrel -4 speed

02-10-2003, 12:37 AM	#6
Old Chevy Lover Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Chillicothe OHIO Posts: 717	what type of acid wash did you use on them? I have a set of wheels that someone let go.. no piting or anything like that, just that black crud that gets on aluminum after so long (brake dust maybe)? whatever it is, its almost imposible to get off using wheel cleaner (never dull, mothers, any type of polish or spray cleaners). __________________ Keith 70 Chevelle Malibu SS Clone 468/Auto 72 C10 SWB 350/Auto 13 Camaro SS/RS 6.2/Auto

02-10-2003, 12:09 AM	#4
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	You should be able to. I would go by a local bodyshop supply store and ask what you can use to strip the clearcoat off. Take a fine file to the big gouges and sand the scratches out. Use the least grit possible within reason. Allot of work but cheaper than buying new wheels. I plan on clear coating mine when they are done.

02-10-2003, 12:48 AM	#7
chevy71super Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: So Cal Posts: 658	Its manufactured by "Blue Lightening Restoration Products". I bought it in Western Washington at a parts swap meet. Its a rust dissolver. Worked well on the wheels but dulls them up. Will etch the aluminum. I had no problem polishing afterwards so there doesn't appear to be any long term affect.



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