looking for billet wheel polishing tips - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**67cheby** · 01-22-2011, 12:27 PM

any certian brand of polish, any polishing tips, any coating ideas for after the polish

*Shane* · 01-22-2011, 01:08 PM

here's an awesome article on the basics of billet wheel polishing

Wootdog · 01-22-2011, 01:09 PM

One word Flitz. It is expensive but you can polish anything with it.
Kerry

**67cheby** · 01-22-2011, 01:11 PM

thanks for everyones tips , keep em coming

Wootdog · 01-22-2011, 01:34 PM

Flitz is what Street and Performance in Mena, Arkansas uses on their engines trannys, and other billet parts. That is what I use to polish my engine (LT1) and Weld Pros Stars. (Which I need to do before I pull it out of the garage again). You do the old Weld Wheels up and don't have to polish them again for a few months.
Kerry

cdowns · 01-22-2011, 02:16 PM

most billet wheels need thier original finish clear coat or whatever stripped b4 any polishing can b done

**SactoJim** · 01-22-2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

most billet wheels need thier original finish clear coat or whatever stripped b4 any polishing can b done

Billet wheels typically don't have any clear coat on them. Clearcoats are typically on the high production cast type wheels.....Eagle, American Racing, etc.....

72BlckButy · 01-22-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane

here's an awesome article on the basics of billet wheel polishing

That is the exact same link I was going to post.

**67cheby** · 01-22-2011, 05:48 PM

great article

*Shane* · 01-22-2011, 07:35 PM

it looks silly, but you would be amazed at the finish you get by "buffing/rubbing" the compound with nothing more than your finger ...

**special-K** · 01-22-2011, 07:52 PM

There is a message board on this site specifically for this topic. It's called "detailing".

jcblue · 01-22-2011, 09:18 PM

smith brite

piecesparts · 01-23-2011, 12:33 AM

If you have a set that is really dirty, then there is a way to clean them without a lot of elbow grease. I use what is called razor buffs on a die grinder, with a polishing brick to clean the metal and get the polish started. A razor buff is usually a 3' or 4" buffing wheel that can be attached using a pointed tool on the die grinder. It is easy to get into tight spots and cut the metal to get the smooth finish started.

I use Mothers aluminum polish with a power ball to get the next step going and then finish with Mother's Billet polish to get the mirro finish. I then seal the metal with a metal sealer from one of a couple sources, to keep the road dust and dirt out of the pores. I usually do my wheels twoce a year to keep them clean.

Looking at the attached write-up, I di remember some of the older guys using flour, but had not approached that thought in many years. I think that will be my next trial going into this coming spring.

PTS · 01-23-2011, 01:59 AM

Use a product called Mothers Billet Wheel Polish. Use a soft terry cloth, fold into a small thick square and polish with the grain of the wheel. If you rub in a circle motion you will create swirls which means lots more work. Always continiously refold cloth or replace. Another tip is to use some spray detail like Mothers Quick Detail on the cloth you intend to remove the polish and this help lift the polish without scrubbing and again remove with the grain of the wheel.

Regards,

Perry
PTS

Musclerodz · 01-23-2011, 03:19 AM

Flitz, nothing else needs to be said

OldSkool71 · 01-23-2011, 03:29 AM

They look *****in...but they are a ton of work....good article though...thanks for posting.

**KevsClassics** · 01-23-2011, 03:46 AM

Mothers Billet Polish

**bigsnookmaster** · 01-23-2011, 10:08 AM

I use a German product called Autosol. It's a paste thats been around for a while. It's available at some E-bay stores. Great stuff!

jmedero · 01-23-2011, 10:30 AM

Mike I own a detail company and have tried a million products for all the custom cars and the custom bikes we do. The best thing I have found so far is called white diamond found at some auto parts house. I start off with the power ball then move to hand polishing with a latex glove on my hand. Sounds silly but it makes a diff. When your done it will be like A mirror.
Juan
Posted via Mobile Device

7T2 · 01-23-2011, 11:12 AM

I get ticked off every time I see one of those guys at a swap meet talking about how great the Mothers Powerball is. It might work if you have completely smooth wheels, but forget it if you have anything with spokes, like polished Torq-Thrusts. Mine didn't even last a day before it started shredding little bits of foam all over my wheel, then it came loose from the stem that holds it in your drill. I will never go near another one, even if it is free.

On the other hand, I have been using a Flitz Ball for three years now with glorious results. It is about the same price as the Mothers ball, maybe a little more, but it is well made, washable, and it is a product that works. Highly recommended.

piecesparts · 01-23-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7T2

I get ticked off every time I see one of those guys at a swap meet talking about how great the Mothers Powerball is. It might work if you have completely smooth wheels, but forget it if you have anything with spokes, like polished Torq-Thrusts. Mine didn't even last a day before it started shredding little bits of foam all over my wheel, then it came loose from the stem that holds it in your drill. I will never go near another one, even if it is free.

On the other hand, I have been using a Flitz Ball for three years now with glorious results. It is about the same price as the Mothers ball, maybe a little more, but it is well made, washable, and it is a product that works. Highly recommended.

I found that the tapered foam cone that Mothers sells is far better for any thing than the power ball. I purchased it and, YES, there is some cutting on the foam but it lasts a lot longer than the ball. You can even get into tight spots with it. I have spoked rims and also some rims that are not spoked, that have some edges that could cause issue with the foam. It works well.

72BlckButy · 01-23-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piecesparts

Looking at the attached write-up, I di remember some of the older guys using flour, but had not approached that thought in many years. I think that will be my next trial going into this coming spring.

Can't wait to see how the flour woks for you...

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTS

Use a product called Mothers Billet Wheel Polish. Use a soft terry cloth, fold into a small thick square and polish with the grain of the wheel. If you rub in a circle motion you will create swirls which means lots more work. Always continiously refold cloth or replace. Another tip is to use some spray detail like Mothers Quick Detail on the cloth you intend to remove the polish and this help lift the polish without scrubbing and again remove with the grain of the wheel.

Regards,

Perry
PTS

Great post PTS.

**67cheby** · 01-24-2011, 11:22 AM

great info from everyone, Thank you and keep it up if anyone else has any more tips

01-22-2011, 12:27 PM	#1
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	looking for billet wheel polishing tips any certian brand of polish, any polishing tips, any coating ideas for after the polish __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

01-22-2011, 01:08 PM	#2
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips here's an awesome article on the basics of billet wheel polishing

01-22-2011, 01:09 PM	#3
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,683	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips One word Flitz. It is expensive but you can polish anything with it. Kerry __________________ 1967 C10 Got it back after three years Boy I sure missed Peppy 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

01-22-2011, 01:11 PM	#4
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips thanks for everyones tips , keep em coming __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

01-22-2011, 01:34 PM	#5
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,683	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips Flitz is what Street and Performance in Mena, Arkansas uses on their engines trannys, and other billet parts. That is what I use to polish my engine (LT1) and Weld Pros Stars. (Which I need to do before I pull it out of the garage again). You do the old Weld Wheels up and don't have to polish them again for a few months. Kerry __________________ 1967 C10 Got it back after three years Boy I sure missed Peppy 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

01-22-2011, 02:16 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips most billet wheels need thier original finish clear coat or whatever stripped b4 any polishing can b done __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-22-2011, 05:48 PM	#9
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips great article __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

01-22-2011, 07:35 PM	#10
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips it looks silly, but you would be amazed at the finish you get by "buffing/rubbing" the compound with nothing more than your finger ...

01-22-2011, 07:52 PM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips There is a message board on this site specifically for this topic. It's called "detailing". __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-22-2011, 09:18 PM	#12
jcblue Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Elkton, ky Posts: 385	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips smith brite

01-23-2011, 12:33 AM	#13
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips If you have a set that is really dirty, then there is a way to clean them without a lot of elbow grease. I use what is called razor buffs on a die grinder, with a polishing brick to clean the metal and get the polish started. A razor buff is usually a 3' or 4" buffing wheel that can be attached using a pointed tool on the die grinder. It is easy to get into tight spots and cut the metal to get the smooth finish started. I use Mothers aluminum polish with a power ball to get the next step going and then finish with Mother's Billet polish to get the mirro finish. I then seal the metal with a metal sealer from one of a couple sources, to keep the road dust and dirt out of the pores. I usually do my wheels twoce a year to keep them clean. Looking at the attached write-up, I di remember some of the older guys using flour, but had not approached that thought in many years. I think that will be my next trial going into this coming spring. __________________ Frank

01-23-2011, 01:59 AM	#14
PTS Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Roswell, N.M. Posts: 241	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips Use a product called Mothers Billet Wheel Polish. Use a soft terry cloth, fold into a small thick square and polish with the grain of the wheel. If you rub in a circle motion you will create swirls which means lots more work. Always continiously refold cloth or replace. Another tip is to use some spray detail like Mothers Quick Detail on the cloth you intend to remove the polish and this help lift the polish without scrubbing and again remove with the grain of the wheel. Regards, Perry PTS __________________ Great Deals for 67-72 members on Billet Specialties, Intro Wheels, and Ridetech! Toll Free 1-855-353-7885

01-23-2011, 03:19 AM	#15
Musclerodz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 2,364	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips Flitz, nothing else needs to be said __________________ Mike Redpath

01-23-2011, 03:29 AM	#16
OldSkool71 C/10 CLUB MEMBER Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lakewood, CA Posts: 993	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips They look ***in...but they are a ton of work....good article though...thanks for posting. __________________ -Ron-**

01-23-2011, 03:46 AM	#17
KevsClassics TILT COLUMN GURU Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: FRESNO CA Posts: 4,276	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips Mothers Billet Polish Attached Images __________________ Instagram kevs_classics64 64 Impala SS Conv 72 Blazer 2wd 75 Jimmy 2wd 63 Belair wagon 02 Silverado ext cab. DD RIP EL JAY



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01-23-2011, 10:08 AM	#18
bigsnookmaster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St.Petersburg,Fl Posts: 1,270	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips I use a German product called Autosol. It's a paste thats been around for a while. It's available at some E-bay stores. Great stuff! __________________ greg http://community.webshots.com/user/68406Stepside

01-23-2011, 10:30 AM	#19
jmedero Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: pensacola fl Posts: 3,073	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips Mike I own a detail company and have tried a million products for all the custom cars and the custom bikes we do. The best thing I have found so far is called white diamond found at some auto parts house. I start off with the power ball then move to hand polishing with a latex glove on my hand. Sounds silly but it makes a diff. When your done it will be like A mirror. Juan Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 68 BB burb build thread Scott's super slam front/rear http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378084

01-23-2011, 11:12 AM	#20
7T2 Active Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Marysville, OH Posts: 667	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips I get ticked off every time I see one of those guys at a swap meet talking about how great the Mothers Powerball is. It might work if you have completely smooth wheels, but forget it if you have anything with spokes, like polished Torq-Thrusts. Mine didn't even last a day before it started shredding little bits of foam all over my wheel, then it came loose from the stem that holds it in your drill. I will never go near another one, even if it is free. On the other hand, I have been using a Flitz Ball for three years now with glorious results. It is about the same price as the Mothers ball, maybe a little more, but it is well made, washable, and it is a product that works. Highly recommended. __________________ 1957 GMC Ambulance 1962 Belair Wagon 1963 C80 Truck Cab FOR SALE 1969 Chevy C10 Short Bed 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed SOLD 1996 C3500 Dually SOLD Last edited by 7T2; 01-23-2011 at 11:16 AM.

01-24-2011, 11:22 AM	#23
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	Re: looking for billet wheel polishing tips great info from everyone, Thank you and keep it up if anyone else has any more tips __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

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