Tarnished aluminum wheels

[ElGato]

Hey folks, this is my first time posting here in this forum, I've read a lot over the years and it makes my head spin (it's either the reading or the chemicals).

A buddy gave me a set of Weld Draglites that had been sitting in a shed for 4 years. 0 shine, all dull grey aluminum tarnish.

I hit them with NeverDull at least 5 times, the batting gets completely grey, but I'm not noticing a difference. I mentioned to the guy using 2000 grit sandpaper, but he suggested the following procedure:

rubbing compound.
polishing compound.
mothers mag/alum polish.
+felt wheel on a drill.

I tried using the rubbing compound by hand, and again, after rubbing the hell out of it, I'm left with a grey cloth, and no visible progress.

Any tips? I know, pictures would be good, but the lighting is horrible in the garage.

-ElGato

 

[weems]

Try wet sanding with 1000 grit and work your way up to 2500 and then polish.

 

[mixxer]

Metal Polish & Restorer

 

[HandoZiZle]

Metal Polish & Restorer

I just ordered one of those. I'm hoping it'll shine the lips on my SSR's pretty good. Also, can i just use them with a Power Ball ?

 

[mixxer]

yep they are the best metal polishes period.

 

[ElGato]

So will what I have work? Will it work but just take a long time? Or will it not work at all?
the wheels work whether they're shiny or not, I'm just looking for a winter project that doesn't involve fire.

 

[VoodooSNK]

Using a buffer or drill with an attachment would definitely get results much quicker than your hand.

 

[ElGato]

Using a buffer or drill with an attachment would definitely get results much quicker than your hand.

As it is in so many things in life... :rolling:

 

[mixxer]

It will work ok but why not really get what you need and do it right.

 

[ElGato]

It will work ok but why not really get what you need and do it right.

See this is what I'm trying to understand:

when you say "do it right" do you mean that 'right' is faster/easier? Or do you mean that all the time I'm spending by hand is somehow not making the wheels as shiny or possibly hurting them?

I don't mind the elbow grease, I once spent 70 hours sanding a piece of wood that no one ever saw or came into contact with.


I appreciate everyone's advice. I just feel like that buying one more product that I'm only going to use once isn't worth the saved time. (with that in print it pretty much guarantees I'm opening a dirty wheel restoration shop!)

 

[mixxer]

by do it right means easier, faster ,and better results. Whatever you do your going to have to keep up with it so its not a 1 time deal.

 

[03SonicStang]

Metal Polish & Restorer

Just ordered some for my CCW Classis; I swear I've spent hundreds trying to find the right product to keep them perfect! I love the rims but what a PITA!!

Also for giggles I ordered the Stainless Steel (coarse) buffing compond and Custom Blend Show Quality Polish. Hey if truckers like this stuff it must be a good metal polish

 

[MachME]

Just ordered some for my CCW Classis; I swear I've spent hundreds trying to find the right product to keep them perfect! I love the rims but what a PITA!!

Thats why if i ever got those, i could have them clear coated for sure.


I have ECM hot enviroment polishe and it is sick....seems not to many know about ECM.

Edit, heres some pics....

http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...ish-custom-polish-hot-enviroment-example.html

 

[03SonicStang]

Thats why if i ever got those, i could have them clear coated for sure.


I have ECM hot enviroment polishe and it is sick....seems not to many know about ECM.

Edit, heres some pics....

http://www.svtperformance.com/forum...ish-custom-polish-hot-enviroment-example.html

Looks good man; thanks. I'm ready for some major elbow grease!