Polishing Aluminum Rims

[firecracker_jk]

Looking good!

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[joe98tj]

So I moved on to the truck rims. So I attempted to get a better shine which turned out to be a bad idea. I practiced on the caps, trying out sanding each one with 500, 1000, 1200, then 3000. I don't know why but this left alot of haze on the caps. They're shiny but if you look close you can see the patches of haze which sucks cause I saw on ebay a set of 4 for $700 bucks and single ones going for $120. Maybe if I ever sell these rims I'll pay someone to clean them up.

So when it came time to try the wheels I kept it simple. Started with a sponge and simple green to clean it. Then just mothers and the powerball/harbor freight buffing pads. Came out nice. If you look close there's a bunch of small pits but  with poor success on the caps I'm not going to sand these wheels. I like how this first one came out. Also, apparently they sell different size decals for the caps so I had to dig a bit to find 2.5" instead of 2". Threw one on just to get a nice pic.

I weirdly like the faded look with this truck but itll look good with them shined up too

 

[RedJeepster1]

Now you just need some mother’s back to black for the fenders.


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[joe98tj]

Debating on it. I've read you have to reapply alot with those trim restorers. And that most wash away in the rain.

 

[RedJeepster1]

None of them are forever, that’s for sure. Just like the factory black didn’t last forever. Think of it like maintenance, just like changing your oil or polishing your wheels. Eventually you’ll have to do the same work again to keep it tip top of that’s what you want.


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[gorilla_skater]

The heat gun trick works pretty good too.

 

[kakirubi]

The frame is really clean for that year!  I've never seen rims like that, they aren't stock are they?

 

[joe98tj]

None of them are forever, that’s for sure. Just like the factory black didn’t last forever. Think of it like maintenance, just like changing your oil or polishing your wheels. Eventually you’ll have to do the same work again to keep it tip top of that’s what you want.


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Yeah but it sounds like you have to use it every other month depending on the brand.

 

[joe98tj]

The frame is really clean for that year!  I've never seen rims like that, they aren't stock are they?

Yeah just some surface rust here and there. They aren't stock, theyre weld racing sidewinder wheels.

 

[massxj]

None of them are forever, that’s for sure. Just like the factory black didn’t last forever. Think of it like maintenance, just like changing your oil or polishing your wheels. Eventually you’ll have to do the same work again to keep it tip top of that’s what you want.


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Yeah but it sounds like you have to use it every other month depending on the brand.

3 months max.  2 is probably average.  The spot that tom torched my bumper is just as faded as the rest of it

 

[A new level]

Could always replace with paintable ones

 

[gorilla_skater]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD9zgXgsGkk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNayuBAL5Gw

 

[joe98tj]

Yeah I've watched the videos and read a bunch online. Reviews are mixed on how long each product lasts. Apparently one good rain will wash away any of them. Its just a losing battle. In terms of paint, that will only last a year or so as well.

 

[massxj]

Even if you glob the paint on 3/8" thick

 

[gorilla_skater]

Cerakote - 6 months...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgMByvU7Lus

 

[A new level]

I’m sure if you use the proper 3m adhesion promoters paint would last longer than a year

 

[joe98tj]

2 Year claim from cerakote is ballsy. Quick read online shows they really back their product and have some good customer support. Might actually give that a try.

 

[kakirubi]

People have been using Cerakote for decades in the firearm industry.  It's tough, but prep is everything.  I wouldn't think it would fair well on a wheel.  Temp changes along with road grit, brake dust and salt....

 

[massxj]

Ordered some.

We'll see how well it works

 

[RedJeepster1]

One of my neighbors does cerakote and he does do wheels for people. Stuff isn’t cheap though. And like was said above, prep is everything.


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