69 Rally Wheel Hubcap Refresh

[Michael C.]

Any suggestions for removing years of build-up of wax and road grime from the cap part (removable) of the rally wheel center piece? I've tried rubbing with Dupli-Color Prep-Spray and lacquer thinner with little luck. The tiny crevices are nearly impossible to access for any kind of rubbing motion.

I'm trying to avoid any attempt to repaint, but that might be unavoidable. It appears as though some paint has already rubbed away over the years. Once cleaned, any tips for repainting? I've read a couple of posts on the topic. At least one said they painted the entire surface with the lettering and circles, then wiped with lacquer thinner. However, I wonder if the vertical surfaces of the letters and circles are supposed to be painted. Thoughts?

Suggestions for painting the stripes? Is there any way to restore the shine to the vertical surfaces adjacent to the stripes without removing the paint? I imagine not.

You can see there are "minor" scratches on the cap. I read lots of old posts about attempting to remove scratches from various chrome pieces. Any recent/new ideas?

Thanks everyone,
Mike

[Edward J.]

Re: 69 Rally Wheel Hubcap Refresh

Mike, The chrome surfaces really have no way of restoring other than being re-chromed. however the black surfaces can be re-painted . use some 1/16 in masking tape for the vertical surfaces and paint the black areas and the letters. After the paint sets up for a few hours you can take a soft rag and some lacquer thinner and wipe the areas around the letters carefully to remove the excess paint. Cleaning such as simple green and nylon tooth brush should help , I would not remove the old paint unless its really bad. The reason for this is its stuck to the chrome surface all these years and however it was painted may not be duplicated. Use some Satin black Sems paint will be a perfect match.

[Steven B.]

Re: 69 Rally Wheel Hubcap Refresh

Mike, I used a tooth brush at an angle to get in the tight areas of my set. I used Simple Green and in a couple of small areas 0000 steel wool. I also used the method on my crossed flag emblems. Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Rally Wheel Hubcap Refresh

Any suggestions for removing years of build-up of wax and road grime from the cap part (removable) of the rally wheel center piece? I've tried rubbing with Dupli-Color Prep-Spray and lacquer thinner with little luck. The tiny crevices are nearly impossible to access for any kind of rubbing motion.

I'm trying to avoid any attempt to repaint, but that might be unavoidable. It appears as though some paint has already rubbed away over the years. Once cleaned, any tips for repainting? I've read a couple of posts on the topic. At least one said they painted the entire surface with the lettering and circles, then wiped with lacquer thinner. However, I wonder if the vertical surfaces of the letters and circles are supposed to be painted. Thoughts?

Suggestions for painting the stripes? Is there any way to restore the shine to the vertical surfaces adjacent to the stripes without removing the paint? I imagine not.

You can see there are "minor" scratches on the cap. I read lots of old posts about attempting to remove scratches from various chrome pieces. Any recent/new ideas?

Thanks everyone,
Mike

Mike------


Even if you are able to remove every molecule of wax and grime, the finished product is not going to appear as-original because the black paint has weathered. The only way to restore it is to re-paint. Of course, you will want to do a scrupulous job of cleaning prior to re-paint. For this, I would use a small brush.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Rally Wheel Hubcap Refresh

Tooth brushes come in a variety of textures. Unless you are prepared to repaint the caps use a soft toothbrush.

[Paul D.]

Re: 69 Rally Wheel Hubcap Refresh

I did this job years ago on my 71's caps. About halfway through I thought I was crazy for doing something that no one else would notice. I was WRONG! It made a noticable difference and I received several comments from show judges (NCCC). I think it was well worth the trouble. Excellent winter or snow day project you can do most of in your home! Chip.