Factory Wheel Refinishing Question

[Machiner 55]

KDirk,

I think he may be referring to the term "Dual-Action" buffer/sander/polisher tool.

John F.

[waltmail]

Walt-

Very nicely done. Two questions: what is a "D A" you reference and was this wet sanding or dry? I'm seriously considering doing a set like this.

KDirk

Dual action sander. Air driven.

Dry sand, but a misting of WD 40 sometimes works best, but not necessary. Be sure to work in very small areas on the disk surface. Wide Sweeping motion is bad. Same for the polishing stage. Tiny area polish. Actually is quicker that way.

Good luck.

[KDirk]

Ah, of course. I have one of those so will be set to go when I can find so time.

Thanks!

KDirk

[Guest Furman83]

All,

Just my 2 cents. I took my wheels to Hubcap Heaven in Nashville, TN. I had them resurface them for $100.00 Each. I like the original look of the Reatta Wheels. The only caveat was I could not have used any Airline stripper on the wheels as this would ruin the diamond bit on the lathe. They painted the vents GM Gray and they came out beautiful and original. They also Balanced them and put the weights on the inside.

Thanks,

Rocky

[Barney Eaton]

Take a look at the attached video. Not stock but very interesting way to change your wheel color and they can be returned to stock. When you click on the link you will notice there are other videos on the right....look at some of those for additional ideas. I noticed that my local Home Depot started stocking a few colors..... there are several brands of this plastic coat and you can order custom colors from some of them.

[Dashmaster]

Sanding is progressing on all wheels. I used a B&D Mouse Sander using 50, 80, 120, 220, and 240 grits. I have taken one wheel and center cap and wet sanded using 320, 400, 600, and 1000 grit. Wheel is looking good and glossy. But the center cap is very dull looking. Is this normal since the cap is a thinner material? I also got 2 emblems out without damage, the last one is worse then the first one I did. What do you think about the cap being dull looking?

[Guest PontiacDude210]

Take a look at the attached video. Not stock but very interesting way to change your wheel color and they can be returned to stock. When you click on the link you will notice there are other videos on the right....look at some of those for additional ideas. I noticed that my local Home Depot started stocking a few colors..... there are several brands of this plastic coat and you can order custom colors from some of them.

I've used plasti dip before. I had dipped wheels on my old sunfire. I do not like it personally. It cleans terribly, tears easily, and won't peel so nicely out of tires with deeper lettering, off over sprayed surfaces, or dirty or corroded spots. If you want to remove your wheels, center caps, etc. it will tear. My two cents on plasti dip. It's worth doing the repaint or polish correctly.

[Dashmaster]

Here are my Finished results. Not perfect but good enough for now. Plan to strip the gray out when weather warms up and re-paint the gray. Here are some pictures. Before , During and Finished. I did all the work by sanding. Used 50, 80,120,220,240 grit dry and 400,600,1000 grit wet sanding. There are some spots that are not perfect but look pretty good overall.

[zoltanb]

There is great satisfaction in doing your own work, Good for you they look great.