Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle?

in Forum: C3 Car Care


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (1/21)
 4/18/08 11:03am
hvb79
Former Member

Send Private Message

Renton, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 - Light Custom - Lamborghini Orange


Joined: 4/12/2008
Posts: 21

I was tired of the dull look to my original aluminum wheels on my 79.  I decided to remove the clear coat and try to polish them up.  I got a decent shine, but nothing like I've seen on other cars with the same wheels.  Does anyone out there have the secret process?  I'm not afraid the put a lot of "elbow grease" into it.phew
Our Sponsors help support C3VR
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (2/21)
 4/18/08 12:26pm
apasbigal
Former Member

Send Private Message

goldens bridge, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1972 T-Top 350 auto, matching numbers,Blue, ac


Joined: 11/3/2003
Posts: 498

See Forums - view C3 Car care - thers are several posts about polishing the wheels  - One is Topic: Polished aluminum (2)
Hope you enjoy the site
Big Al


______________

How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (3/21)
 4/18/08 12:29pm
Gunslinger
Former Member

Send Private Message

Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Two products I've used...Griot's Garage Mag Wheel Polish and Meguiar's Aluminum Polish.  Both are excellent for what you want.  Either will make your wheels sparkle.
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (4/21)
 4/20/08 11:43am
corvette440hpLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205

I've found this works on my American Racing Wheels. I use the wax after the polishing.  http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=ARE%2D9000102&N=700+115&autoview=sku

______________

corvette440hp
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (5/21)
 4/20/08 4:50pm
PSU 98
Former Member

Send Private Message

Shenandoah, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Chevrolet Corvette


Joined: 10/18/2006
Posts: 328

Everyone will have a different opinion on metal polishes, but the one tool I would highly recommend buying is a Mother's Powerball.
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (6/21)
 4/20/08 8:43pm
Aaron1976
Former Member

Send Private Message

Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Corvette Stingray L-48 Automatic Black


Joined: 11/17/2007
Posts: 830

I have also heard and agree that the Mother's Power Ball is the best tool. Mother's makes a great metal polish also.Big%20smile If you want a work out, use Never-Dull (cotton swab stuff in the can).

Aaron19762008-04-20 17:45:20

______________

Aaron

CLICK HERE to enlarge picture

How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (7/21)
 4/22/08 12:19pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205

This is a great kit to do wheels. It's a combination kit:http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=953&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=433&iSubCat=436&iProductID=953

______________

corvette440hp
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (8/21)
 4/22/08 12:20pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205

How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (9/21)
 4/22/08 12:21pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205

How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (10/21)
 4/22/08 12:23pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205

How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (11/21)
 4/22/08 1:07pm
tuxblacrayLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Greensburg, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188

Mike Kapp has a nice post in this earlier thread about Stripping a & Polishing Wheels . Mike has always provided some good input.

______________

Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


(Click on image to see a bigger version)


How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (12/21)
 4/25/08 4:42pm
corvette440hpLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 7/2/2006
Posts: 8205

Did you ever consider using Zoop's after the wheels are shined to your perfection?

______________

corvette440hp
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (13/21)
 4/26/08 9:15am
maintenance4
Former Member

Send Private Message

Tecumseh, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1980 all org. with 18000 act. miles dk claret with matching interior..Eagle alloys ..loaded..excellent cond.


Joined: 9/14/2003
Posts: 221

[QUOTE=hvb79]I was tired of the dull look to my original aluminum wheels on my 79.  I decided to remove the clear coat and try to polish them up.  I got a decent shine, but nothing like I've seen on other cars with the same wheels.  Does anyone out there have the secret process?  I'm not afraid the put a lot of "elbow grease" into it.phew[/QUOTE] You can buy them in chrome from some of our vendors for about $1200.00 a set if you really want to shine....Wink
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (14/21)
 4/26/08 11:19am
hvb79
Former Member

Send Private Message

Renton, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 - Light Custom - Lamborghini Orange


Joined: 4/12/2008
Posts: 21

Thanks Tuxblacray.  Mike does have Good stuff!Smile
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (15/21)
 4/27/08 10:48am
Autom8r
Former Member

Send Private Message

Old Hickory, TN - USA

Vette(s):
1978 L-82 Silver Anniversary hotrod. /////////////


Joined: 5/26/2003
Posts: 599

I hired mine done by a professional outfit that does big truck wheels. Best $75.00 per wheel ($300/ set) I ever spent...... A mini PowerBall and polish once or twice a year keeps them up.



DaveAutom8r2008-04-27 07:53:04
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (16/21)
 4/27/08 8:56pm
dwright
Standard Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Victor, NY - USA

Vette(s):
2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe


Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 6833

The key to shine is micro finish. If you have scratches, they won't shine.
So start with the course stuff first and work your way up to the 2000 grit.
When they are mirror finished, they will sparkle.
Then use the polish and wax to keep them that way.


______________
 
Save the Wave!
Support the National Corvette Museum   
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (17/21)
 5/13/08 2:39am
middleagecrazy
Former Member

Send Private Message

, - Canada

Vette(s):
!979 Corvette completely stock other than the tail,its an L48, 4 speed


Joined: 5/12/2008
Posts: 4

I just bought a 1979 Vette and one wheel is stained from someone using the wrong cleaner, so i was told. What is the best way to get them back to specs? This is the first one Ive owned so any advice would be appreciated. I just dont want to go at it and cause more damage.
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (18/21)
 5/15/08 3:37pm
jsgarner
Former Member

Send Private Message

Garner, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1982 , L98-350ci, T-Tops, Bright Metallic Blue with Dark Blue Interior


Joined: 4/16/2007
Posts: 100

I want to get my '82's wheels to sparkle...but it absolutely scares me to death to think of me touching them with anything "coarse".

I see many people on here have done it...so, I'm hoping that my fear is simply the "ignorance" factor.
 
Can anyone provide me with...or direct me to...a step-by-step "how-to"?
 
Thanks everyone!
JSGarner
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (19/21)
 5/15/08 4:48pm
middleagecrazy
Former Member

Send Private Message

, - Canada

Vette(s):
!979 Corvette completely stock other than the tail,its an L48, 4 speed


Joined: 5/12/2008
Posts: 4

I still cant find out why one of my wheels are stained or with what. Would I be ok to use like an S.O.S pad to remove them?
How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (20/21)
 5/15/08 6:48pm
tuxblacrayLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Greensburg, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188

[QUOTE=JSGarner]

I want to get my '82's wheels to sparkle...but it absolutely scares me to death to think of me touching them with anything "coarse".


I see many people on here have done it...so, I'm hoping that my fear is simply the "ignorance" factor.

 

Can anyone provide me with...or direct me to...a step-by-step "how-to"?

 

Thanks everyone!

JSGarner
[/QUOTE]

Go back up and read the link I provided to Mike Kapp's post. He tells step by step what you can do.



______________

Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


(Click on image to see a bigger version)


How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle? (21/21)
 5/15/08 8:23pm
jsgarner
Former Member

Send Private Message

Garner, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1982 , L98-350ci, T-Tops, Bright Metallic Blue with Dark Blue Interior


Joined: 4/16/2007
Posts: 100

Thanks!
 
I missed that post altogether!!!
Our Sponsors help support C3VR