Advice / tips please - Aluminium Wheel refurb and clear coat

[poolnoodle]

Hi Guys.
Not exactly a E30 questions but the 2002 site isn't very helpful
Recentlty purchased these 13" 100+ alloys for my 2002. They are in good condition but the aluminium is a bit pitted and dull.
They don't appear to be clear coated and the black highlights are almost perfect.
Reckon they will look nice once tidied up


Advise I need:
Best method to get a good finish - 800/1200 grit then metal
polish?
What is the best way to seal them afterwards?
Do they look better without the black highlights? Pics of similar wheels (alpinas) would be good
TIA

[m_jermyn]

Neal,

You might need to get some real abrasive stuff on them to take out the pitting buddy... Start with 400, 800, 1200 1500 (if you can find it) 2000 and if you can find 2500 your rolling... The reason is say 2500 is it actually leaves the wheel pretty shiny and means less polishing with the polish...

To seal them afterwards you will need to have them sprayed... But before paint make sure it is done with a adhesive promoter so the paint wont flake off... Any good wheel refurber should be able to help but do make sure they use a adhesive promotor as the paint will flake 100% without it... Try and get a waranty against flaking..

A panel shop might be able to help aswell.... I cant stress enough on the adhesive promotor mate, it is critical.

Mike

[poolnoodle]

Neal,

You might need to get some real abrasive stuff on them to take out the pitting buddy... Start with 400, 800, 1200 1500 (if you can find it) 2000 and if you can find 2500 your rolling... The reason is say 2500 is it actually leaves the wheel pretty shiny and means less polishing with the polish...

To seal them afterwards you will need to have them sprayed... But before paint make sure it is done with a adhesive promoter so the paint wont flake off... Any good wheel refurber should be able to help but do make sure they use a adhesive promotor as the paint will flake 100% without it... Try and get a waranty against flaking..

A panel shop might be able to help aswell.... I cant stress enough on the adhesive promotor mate, it is critical.

Mike

So the painting isn't a DIY job then Hate forking out dollars

[m_jermyn]

Sadly not mate, but if you do all the hard work yourself I am sure it will save you alot of cash...

[poolnoodle]

Sadly not mate, but if you do all the hard work yourself I am sure it will save you alot of cash...

Can't even find a refurb shop in Hobart
Damn country town

[AlpineAde]

What about a week in Melbourne?

Bring 'em over with you and take your pick of some very good places?

[poolnoodle]

What about a week in Melbourne?

Bring 'em over with you and take your pick of some very good places?

Small matter of excess luggage

[m_jermyn]

Neal try a panel beater mate... I used to fix mags all the time when I was a beater....

[poolnoodle]

Thanks Mike, I do have a 320lpm belt drive compressor and was going to buy a detail spray gun for some small bits and pieces. Would the clear coat then by viable at home witht the right paint / additive?
Otherwise, will give the beater a go. Do all the prep myself and see if they can clear coat for me. Need to get a couple of minor dings fixed on both BMs anyway.

[m_jermyn]

Neal,

Yeah mate you can give it ago at home but I warn you painting wheels with multiple spokes like those beautys is quite hard... Getting paint to the bottom of the spoke is difficult as it means you get alot of paint up the top resulting in runs.. When I do it I only turn out the fluid maybe one turn compared to normal painting 2.5 turns.. This means less paint comes out the gun... I still use quite high air pressure however..

Remember you need the paint, A good clear such as PPG, Spies hecker, Glasurite will cost $200 to $400 as you can only buy it in 4ltr kits... You then still need to get the adhesion promotor(dont know how much this cot but you can get it in 500mls.

So in painting it yourself are you really saving any money? You still have to get the materials. And you will have heaps left over.

Dont take the car to the beater to get some dings fixed mate, try a paintless dent repairer (Thats me ) Pitty I dont live down there as I would do it for you..

Have a think about it mate, need any advice just ask.

Mike

[poolnoodle]

Thanks for the advice Mike. Might leave it all to the pros.
The "dings" I probably understated. E30 has a really bad stone chip and another car park nudge that will need paint.
The '02 has a bodged front guard repair that need serious attention!