I have an 81 and would like to really get my original factory aluminum rims to shine. I've read other posts about using laquer thinner etc etc, any suggestions?
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Re: Whats the best method to shine up 81 rims?
Ciro,
First, tell us your plans for the car. Judging by the photo of only one wheel, it looks like you have a fairly original, low mile 81. If the clearcoat is still intact and not flaking or crazed, I would go with a good polish/glaze combo product like you would use on the paint of your daily driver. If the clearcoat is damaged, you will need to remove it with paint stripper or laquer thinner and then polish the wheels just like uncoated rims or billet parts. You can then decide to reclear or use one of the many other treatments for polished aluminum. Bare aluminum rims that are kept polished look very good, but they look TOO good for Flight judging and will usually warrant a points deduct. If you are not interested in Flight judging at this time and like the look of factory wheels, I would suggest you take off those original looking wheels and tires and put them up for later or the next owner. You could then get a set of the chrome plated repros and new tires for driving. Those Polysteel Goodyears have to have some age on them. They haven't made them in years. Please share more info and photos of your car. Chip. -
Re: Whats the best method to shine up 81 rims?
Paul,
Good eye! the car is very original, I picked it up last fall. It has only 29,000 miles with the original tires, They are very dry-rotted and just replaced them with new Eagle GT II's. I really don't plan on judging the car in the near future but may change my mind. There really isn't anything I need to do with the car, it even has the original "unleaded gas only sticker. The clearcoat is still fine so do you have any suggestions on what the best prodicts to shine em up?
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Re: Whats the best method to shine up 81 rims?
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Re: Whats the best method to shine up 81 rims?
Ciro,
I currently use a Griot's product called One Step polish. It has a mild polish in it along with a good sealer. I am sure Adams or Meguiars has something just as good. I hope you saved those old tires. Chip.Comment
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Re: Whats the best method to shine up 81 rims?
Yes,
Saved the tires, though It is kind of silly when you think about it!
Do you recommend one of those polishing balls you attach to a drill?
Thanks for the tips
CiroComment
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Re: Whats the best method to shine up 81 rims?
Yes, I use one on the bare aluminum wheels on my truck, and I bet it will work fine with the polish/sealer on your wheels. Mothers makes one now for use on the body paint. I've seen Chip Foose in adds on TV using it. I have not seen one up close and wonder if it is a softer foam than the smaller ones for metal polishing. Be careful around the slots unless you plan to repaint them anyway. The black paint in there is pretty thin. I would probably try the polish ball on the larger areas to get some shine going, then do the whole wheel by hand to finish up. If you go with Griot's products, get some Spray on Wax to use after washing when you dry off and those wheels will look like you just waxed them every time you wash. Chip.Comment
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Re: Whats the best method to shine up 81 rims?
Thanks Chip, I plan on picking one up soon!Comment
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