Polishing alloys

[brackie]

I probably should have done a search first but what compund do you guys recommend for polishing alloy wheels?
Also, does anybody have wheel bolts for Cheviots lying around? I need 6.

[syncro]

Are they just plain alloys, or do they have a clear coat?

[brackie]

Just plain

As the title says. In my young days when I used to race pushbikes I polished all of the Campagnolo gear with Solvol Autosol. Is it still available? Used to do a bloody fine job

[syncro]

Yes, but I think you've got the brand name wrong.

This is only good for wheels without a clear coat. I used to use it all of the time.

[ibeezer]

Is the clearcoat just for appearance or is it protection against pitting and staining? the coating on mine starting to crack and it looks like crap

[Golf Loon]

Is the clearcoat just for appearance or is it protection against pitting and staining? the coating on mine starting to crack and it looks like crap

New wheels will fix that. Maybe ones with 5 studs

[syncro]

Is the clearcoat just for appearance or is it protection against pitting and staining? the coating on mine starting to crack and it looks like crap

Protection against corrosion.

Mine looks like crap also.

[h100vw]

I have some Autosol in the shed, you still buy it in the UK. Bound to be something like it downunder.

Gavin

[YellowDieselGolf]

I was given some autosol for christmas, so it's available somewhere

[Tim]

they sell it in coles down here.
well if this is the stuff we are talkin about

[brackie]

The right stuff

Yep. Thanks mate. I'm off to Coles
The mags (Andrew tells me) are "Performance" and they were/are in dirty shape but not kerb-rashed or buckled although there were a couple of spots where wheel balance weights had left marks.



I masked up and painted the centre parts with Satin Black and then used very fine wet and dry to remove oxidation from the exposed alloy parts. I then rubbed back with cutting compound but couldn't get the final "polished aluminum" look. I reckon the Autosol will give me that.

[alex g]

get yourself a range of wet and dry starting from 320 to 800 is with one step in between. when you fingers are sore and bloody you may be close, next go to the hardware store and get a polishing mop to suit your drill, if you have a bench grinder thats even better(but more expensive to set up) then starting with the brown compound and a rough mop go to town with that finishing of with a cotton mop and white compound and then use the autosol to maintain the shine(although i prefer the softer less abrasive polishes ie mequirs and mothers)

[WEDEL.1]

Mmmmmm, good German stuff if I remenber right!

Maris

[WEDEL.1]

Best results are from a professional wheel polisher.

Maris

[brackie]

Professionals = money

Best results are from a professional wheel polisher.

Maris

Nah, mate. I'm a do-it-yourselfer. Got the first wheel finished today except for the final Autosol polish (will buy that when I go to town tomorrow). Really pleased with the result and looking forward to the other 2 1/2 (got 1/2 of the second wheel done just now). Will post pics.

When I've finished the Performance mags it's time for the Cheviots. (Now they will be a challenge ) Still need wheel bolts.. Anybody?

Do you guys think it's worth clearcoating when finished?