Topic: How to make my aluminum wheels sparkle?
in Forum: C3 Car Care
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Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
Mike Kapp has a nice post in this earlier thread about Stripping a & Polishing Wheels . Mike has always provided some good input.

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corvette440hp
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Tecumseh, MI - USA
Joined: 9/14/2003
Posts: 221
Vette(s): 1980 all org. with 18000 act. miles dk claret with matching interior..Eagle alloys ..loaded..excellent cond.
[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.
[/QUOTE] You can buy them in chrome from some of our vendors for about $1200.00 a set if you really want to shine....


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.
DaveAutom8r 2008-04-27 07:53:04

Dave
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.


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Canada
Joined: 5/12/2008
Posts: 4
Vette(s): !979 Corvette completely stock other than the tail,its an L48, 4 speed
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.
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
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Canada
Joined: 5/12/2008
Posts: 4
Vette(s): !979 Corvette completely stock other than the tail,its an L48, 4 speed
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?

Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
[QUOTE=JSGarner]
Go back up and read the link I provided to Mike Kapp's post. He tells step by step what you can do.
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.
in Forum: C3 Car Care
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