So, let me first say, I have a new found respect for Aluminum Polishers... Wow its a buttload of work.

With that being said, I recently undertook the task of refinishing my 88-92 Iroc Wheels. I stripped all the paint off and started the process of sanding and polishing.

I did the 180/320/400/400wet and I buffed Tripoli then White Rouge (using different wheels)

I had kind of a dull finish, I wasnt really pleased with how it looked.

I took a little mothers to it and It made it shine quite a bit more, but I understand that anything that removes the oxidation and turns black isnt the way to go for a mirror like finish.

What do I need to do to get it finished? Waxing with Carnabu? If that is the case, where do I get a solid brick like the FAQ says?

I'll post some picks later

 

I just used Maguirs pure carnuba, anyway

welcome to the club

 

keep going with the two steps tripoli and white rouge you will get a mirror shine using them two polishes. you will see it close to shine with the tripoli and then when you start with the white rouge it will take out the grey shine to the fine white shine you want. don;t need the meguires or carnuba at this point. use the carnuba when 100% done to protect them.

jeff

 

try sanding them with higher grit sand paper it will bring them to a more mirror finish.

 

How many times do I got back and forth with Tripoli and White Rouge? And how do I know if I got the right amount on the buffing pad? I just kinda ran the pad on the stick of compound till I could see it. I noticed that the pads were getting a black film on them as I went along, is that normal?

Sorry for the noob questions.

 

yep perfectly normal, it should turn black. hard to guage how much you need but if you have to much on the wheel it will leave alot on the wheels and not do a good job of buffing.

jeff

 

Alright, I spent another 3 hours or so going back over that wheel today. Still have to 400 wet, then buff. Will let you know how it turns out

 

I wetsanded today, and spent more time buffing, my problem before was I didnt buff it long enough. It looks damn good now. I need to go over it with White Rouge, but it looks real good with just tripoli. Gonna go take a picture now before it gets dark.

I just picked up some new wheel centers on ebay to replace the old cracked ones I have... that will help too

 

heres a pic

Yes I know the caliper looks like crap, I still need to steel wool the center parts of the wheels and the lug nut areas. After that I plan to clean up the calipers and rear drums and paint them red.

Lots of work to do, but im heading in the right direction

 

I just use mothers... im missing my i-rocz center cap

 

Yours look good.

I dont think I am going to repaint mine, just going to steel wool between the spokes to get the tiny bit of paint residue gone.

I still need to buff with white rouge, but I am real pleased so far.