TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Feb 15, 2010 6:14 pm

I scored a set of 5 Fuchs forged aluminum rims awhile ago from a 914: 4 spoke style, unpainted, 15x5.5, 4x130, perfect for my Ghia. They are in really good shape, two have a little curb rash, and two have some blackish oxidation on the insides, looks like the were wet for awhile at one time. I want to shine these babys up inside and out. What are some good cleaners and polishing compounds. Can I use a polishing ball on a drill? Thanks!

Mon Feb 15, 2010 8:02 pm

Paint remover ...(for paint)
oven cleaner...(for removing anodized coating
..IF It Has It ...usually a Blue Film)
BRASS Wire Wheel... for oxidation and general removal and polishing

Mon Feb 15, 2010 8:27 pm

Wouldn't the brass wheel leave tiny scratches though? effectively dulling them? I want to shine these bad boys like chrome. Shuld I take them to a pro or can I do this at home?

Mon Feb 15, 2010 8:34 pm

you can do it at home, for sure... that said, having polished many over the years myself, I'll pay someone to do it next time I need it done... very labor intensive, especially if you don't have the equipment...

Mon Feb 15, 2010 8:36 pm

stainless steel will groove the aluminum
but brass is a softer metal

you might have to get 800/1000 grit wet sand paper to polish the shiny'er parts
but
if you want them so polished that they look chrome
then how about just having them chromed

but if all else fails have a professional do them

Its all about Time and Money

Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:43 pm

if you want a pro job pay a pro to do it. it's a labor intensive DIRTY process that takes a LONG time by hand. for the cost i'll pay somebody that has the proper equipment to do most of my polishing in the future. i didn't have fingerprints for a long time from doing my set of Mahles...ken....

Mon Feb 15, 2010 10:09 pm

UH huh...sounds too messy. What's a fair price per rim to get them all cleaned up and shining like chrome? $100?