Clear coat remover for rims - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

'89Z71 · 10-28-2003, 01:36 PM

Like the title says. What is a good way to remove the old clearcoat on aluminum rims? TIA, DK

boraxman · 10-28-2003, 01:40 PM

I asked the same question not long ago. Use Aircraft Paint Stripper from Kragen or Autozone. You may have do do it a few times but it doesnt hurt the finish.

'89Z71 · 10-28-2003, 01:50 PM

Whats the price on that stuff?

boraxman · 10-28-2003, 01:54 PM

I think it was 7.50 for a 18oz. spray can and 20.00 for a gallon. I bought the gallon and used it on polished Centerlines and it pretty much bubbled the clear coat off with some spots I did have to reapply.

'89Z71 · 10-28-2003, 02:02 PM

After I remove the clearcoat what should I use to shine up the brushed aluminum underneath(no theyre not chrome)... Would some chrome polish work?

boraxman · 10-28-2003, 02:13 PM

I woud check the parts store for some spray on aluminum cleaner for brushed finishes, look for Eagle One if you can find it.

'89Z71 · 10-28-2003, 02:25 PM

Thanx for all your help. I'll check out Checker Auto tomorrow and see what I can find.

cwilli84 · 10-28-2003, 03:29 PM

Try Extreme polish, it looks like pink cotton wadding in a black plastic can. I have heard that and a dremel or small drill with a polishing bit does a great and quik job on aluminum wheels. The ones I saw done were as shiny as chrome wheels only took him 1/2 hour each wheel.
p.s put the unused wadding in a sealed bag to keep it from drying up.

mocwon · 10-28-2003, 03:58 PM

A couple of buddies of mine swear by this stuff:

http://www.wenolusa.com/

sactoC10 · 10-28-2003, 06:04 PM

Not sure what type of wheels you are working on.

Last year I saw a set of 80's Monte Carlo rims polished out like you occasionally see IROC rims polished. They looked KILLER. So I bought some for my S10 Blazer. I've had good success polishing motorcycle parts and wheels in the past.

I did the whole paint stripping routine and cleaning, then moved on to my usual polishing process with attachments to my drill and compounds, but it did not work out very well at all. I can say with honesty that I'd NEVER try it again.

Those aluminum wheels were too porous and simply did not take to the polishing process very well. It was a good learning experience that I'd never choose to experience again!

I'm with ya though, and I love any gleaming polished aluminum wheels.

10-28-2003, 01:36 PM	#1
'89Z71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Star Prairie WI Posts: 392	Clear coat remover for rims Like the title says. What is a good way to remove the old clearcoat on aluminum rims? TIA, DK __________________ '89 GMC Sierra Z71 -"Scream'n Demon" * LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES * My Truck

10-28-2003, 01:40 PM	#2
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	I asked the same question not long ago. Use Aircraft Paint Stripper from Kragen or Autozone. You may have do do it a few times but it doesnt hurt the finish. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351

10-28-2003, 01:50 PM	#3
'89Z71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Star Prairie WI Posts: 392	Whats the price on that stuff? __________________ '89 GMC Sierra Z71 -"Scream'n Demon" * LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES * My Truck

10-28-2003, 01:54 PM	#4
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	I think it was 7.50 for a 18oz. spray can and 20.00 for a gallon. I bought the gallon and used it on polished Centerlines and it pretty much bubbled the clear coat off with some spots I did have to reapply. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351

10-28-2003, 02:02 PM	#5
'89Z71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Star Prairie WI Posts: 392	After I remove the clearcoat what should I use to shine up the brushed aluminum underneath(no theyre not chrome)... Would some chrome polish work? __________________ '89 GMC Sierra Z71 -"Scream'n Demon" * LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES * My Truck

10-28-2003, 02:13 PM	#6
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	I woud check the parts store for some spray on aluminum cleaner for brushed finishes, look for Eagle One if you can find it. __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351

10-28-2003, 02:25 PM	#7
'89Z71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Star Prairie WI Posts: 392	Thanx for all your help. I'll check out Checker Auto tomorrow and see what I can find. __________________ '89 GMC Sierra Z71 -"Scream'n Demon" * LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES * My Truck

10-28-2003, 03:29 PM	#8
cwilli84 1FINE69 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 239	Try Extreme polish, it looks like pink cotton wadding in a black plastic can. I have heard that and a dremel or small drill with a polishing bit does a great and quik job on aluminum wheels. The ones I saw done were as shiny as chrome wheels only took him 1/2 hour each wheel. p.s put the unused wadding in a sealed bag to keep it from drying up. __________________ Had a 69 swb fleetside 350zz3 w 400turbo trans oak lined bed with rhino coated sides red exterior. SOLD

10-28-2003, 03:58 PM	#9
mocwon Keep On Truckin' Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Buda, Texas Posts: 1,354	After I remove the clearcoat what should I use to shine up the brushed aluminum under A couple of buddies of mine swear by this stuff: http://www.wenolusa.com/ __________________ Just Passin' Thru Some projects are like herding cats; others are like putting out fires; this one was like herding cats on fire.....

10-28-2003, 06:04 PM	#10
sactoC10 71 DELUX Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Northern CA / Sac Posts: 1,056	be careful Not sure what type of wheels you are working on. Last year I saw a set of 80's Monte Carlo rims polished out like you occasionally see IROC rims polished. They looked KILLER. So I bought some for my S10 Blazer. I've had good success polishing motorcycle parts and wheels in the past. I did the whole paint stripping routine and cleaning, then moved on to my usual polishing process with attachments to my drill and compounds, but it did not work out very well at all. I can say with honesty that I'd NEVER try it again. Those aluminum wheels were too porous and simply did not take to the polishing process very well. It was a good learning experience that I'd never choose to experience again! I'm with ya though, and I love any gleaming polished aluminum wheels. __________________ 5/4 drop LWB wood bed - 15x8 front 235/60 - 15x10 rear 295/50 2003 FORD Escape 1998 Honda VTR1000



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