Quick Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tferguson5547 · 08-03-2012, 03:54 PM

I was just wandering what is the best way to restore the hubcaps off my 83 C10. I've tried a few different cleaners but the black always returns to a dull gray after they dry. Any ideas??

mopar346 · 08-03-2012, 10:45 PM

That looks really nice, I'm not sure they were glossy from the start, I'm thinking a satin. On much lesser units I have taped and painted the black areas, I'm not sure I would mess with those if all 4 looked that good.

J Knight · 08-03-2012, 11:38 PM

Have you considered taking them to a sign shop to see if it can be reproduced in vinyl?

WarBeard · 08-04-2012, 12:09 AM

I used #0000 steel wool on my caps, soaked the wool in water. I even lightly rubbed the painted areas.

rwhit57 · 08-04-2012, 12:41 AM

Take a little bit of Armor All or tire foam on the tip of a rag and wipe the black areas and see what happens. It works sometimes.

spencer_41188 · 08-04-2012, 10:01 PM

clear shoe polish ... just a thought

tucsonjwt · 08-04-2012, 11:22 PM

Don't use armor all or anything like it - it leaves a residue which will not come off.

rwhit57 · 08-05-2012, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tucsonjwt

Don't use armor all or anything like it - it leaves a residue which will not come off.

Armor all and nearly all the products like it contain silicone and some petroleum products. Rubbing alchohol, lacquer thinner, about any cleaning solvent, and even Dawn detergent will take it off. I suggested only using it on the black areas, I have tried it and it works on some paint and dye areas. What's it gonna hurt?

mopar346 · 08-05-2012, 09:04 AM

Buy NOS and be done with it.

FlatBlack83 · 08-05-2012, 10:24 AM

yes I agree with rwhit57, use paint thinner or rubbing alcohol, I am also a firm believer in soapy water and elbow grease. if you are looking to shine them up once there clean I also recommend Noxon polish. works on just about every metal just make sure they are cool, don't let them sit in the sun and then do it, will absolutely destroy your wheels, this has happened to me.

motornut · 08-07-2012, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motomech

I used #0000 steel wool on my caps, soaked the wool in water. I even lightly rubbed the painted areas.

nice work....wonder if they could be cleared to keep the shine,or just the black?

WarBeard · 08-07-2012, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motornut

nice work....wonder if they could be cleared to keep the shine,or just the black?

Gotta change the Bowtie color back to yellow. Then I may clear coat one and see if it works. But on the other hand it really did not take long to get them this shiny.

08-03-2012, 03:54 PM	#1
tferguson5547 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Vandalia, Ohio Posts: 6	Quick Question I was just wandering what is the best way to restore the hubcaps off my 83 C10. I've tried a few different cleaners but the black always returns to a dull gray after they dry. Any ideas?? Attached Images

08-03-2012, 10:45 PM	#2
mopar346 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Quincy, FL Posts: 533	Re: Quick Question That looks really nice, I'm not sure they were glossy from the start, I'm thinking a satin. On much lesser units I have taped and painted the black areas, I'm not sure I would mess with those if all 4 looked that good. Attached Images

08-03-2012, 11:38 PM	#3
J Knight Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Baytown TX Posts: 2,219	Re: Quick Question Have you considered taking them to a sign shop to see if it can be reproduced in vinyl? __________________ John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350

08-04-2012, 12:09 AM	#4
WarBeard Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Show low,az Posts: 808	Re: Quick Question I used #0000 steel wool on my caps, soaked the wool in water. I even lightly rubbed the painted areas. Attached Images __________________ 1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy.

08-04-2012, 12:41 AM	#5
rwhit57 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tulsa,Okla Posts: 590	Re: Quick Question Take a little bit of Armor All or tire foam on the tip of a rag and wipe the black areas and see what happens. It works sometimes. __________________ "Whoever said money can't buy happiness has obviously never seen a speed shop!

08-04-2012, 10:01 PM	#6
spencer_41188 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: fortwayne, indiana Posts: 209	Re: Quick Question clear shoe polish ... just a thought __________________ 88 gmc v3500 bonus cab classy chassy conversion, 454, nv4500, np205, dana 60 front with spool, 14 bolt ff cac rear with locker.

08-04-2012, 11:22 PM	#7
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,189	Re: Quick Question Don't use armor all or anything like it - it leaves a residue which will not come off.

08-05-2012, 09:04 AM	#9
mopar346 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Quincy, FL Posts: 533	Re: Quick Question Buy NOS and be done with it.

08-05-2012, 10:24 AM	#10
FlatBlack83 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Schuylkill Haven, PA Posts: 46	Re: Quick Question yes I agree with rwhit57, use paint thinner or rubbing alcohol, I am also a firm believer in soapy water and elbow grease. if you are looking to shine them up once there clean I also recommend Noxon polish. works on just about every metal just make sure they are cool, don't let them sit in the sun and then do it, will absolutely destroy your wheels, this has happened to me.



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