Joined
·
324 Posts
Anyone that has looked into custom wheels knows you can't walk away with a set for less than $2K. $200.00 or less, if you have the tools, will get you what I think is a cool look. This is the start to my long journey with this project. It is time consuming but the result will be worth it. What you need is: a right angle die grinder with medium and ultra fine Scotch brite roloc's, wet sand paper (400 to 2000 grit), buffing wheel for die grinder or dremel, polishing bars(different color bars have different cutting abilities), aluminum polish, rags, elbow grease and time.
Step 1: Use the die grinder with the medium scotch brite pad to remove the paint and machine marks.
Step 2: Use the die grinder with the ultra fine SB pad to remove swirls from the medium pad. both pads can take off a lot of material, so take your time.
Step 3: Use the sand paper over a block with soapy water starting with 400 grit and ending with 2000 grit. This will make the surface still a little dull, but don't worry the next step really brings it to life.
Step 4: Uae a buffing wheel on a die grinder or dremel. I used a dremel because it is easier to fit in the tight spaces. Use the polishing bars from medium to fine. Each step makes the luster come out even more. All I used is a white bar used for porting and polishing heads.
Step 5: Use aluminium polish to protect and shine. I used Mothers mag and aluminium polish.
Step 6: stand back and admire the wheels and think of the $1,700.00 to $3,000.00 you just saved.
My directions aren't very detailed. You can look at several videos on Youtube about polishing aluminium. Try the process on something else first so you get the hang of it.
The pics are of a foot peg with half the end polished and the other half factory. The other pic is of one spoke done!
Step 1: Use the die grinder with the medium scotch brite pad to remove the paint and machine marks.
Step 2: Use the die grinder with the ultra fine SB pad to remove swirls from the medium pad. both pads can take off a lot of material, so take your time.
Step 3: Use the sand paper over a block with soapy water starting with 400 grit and ending with 2000 grit. This will make the surface still a little dull, but don't worry the next step really brings it to life.
Step 4: Uae a buffing wheel on a die grinder or dremel. I used a dremel because it is easier to fit in the tight spaces. Use the polishing bars from medium to fine. Each step makes the luster come out even more. All I used is a white bar used for porting and polishing heads.
Step 5: Use aluminium polish to protect and shine. I used Mothers mag and aluminium polish.
Step 6: stand back and admire the wheels and think of the $1,700.00 to $3,000.00 you just saved.
My directions aren't very detailed. You can look at several videos on Youtube about polishing aluminium. Try the process on something else first so you get the hang of it.
The pics are of a foot peg with half the end polished and the other half factory. The other pic is of one spoke done!
