Want to refinish my rims on the GTA this fall, specifically the outer lips as the centers are in good shape, I read quite a few posts but had a few questions for those that have done it.

1) What grit sandpaper would you use in lieu of the aircraft stripper to remove the clear? The centers are nice so really don’t want to risk bleed through with masking tape through with that stuff. Was thinking of starting at 400 or possibly using steel wool? Will be hand sanding.

2) After removing clear I was thinking of 600, 800, 1000 and then hit it with Mothers Mag polish.

3) Lastly, I am trying to decide between the mothers miniball or chemical guys ball buster to polish wheels with my drill.

Here they are, going to remove the wheels to do this and will re-balance the weights on the back.

 

good question? I would try 0000 steel wool works good on chrome possibly a scotch bright pad and do by hand, may also try #1800 to #3000 stones and go easy in the direction of machine marks on rim. Never done on a set my self just a suggestion from years of polishing tool marks out of aluminum tooling. make sure you keep area clean and wet

 

That's what I done. Only I started with 200 grit then 600, 800, 1000 and then hit it with Mothers Mag polish.

The mothers or Maguire's miniball work great with compound then the polishing compound follow up with your favorite polish/wax

 

Thanks for the replies, Bob did you sand all wet or some dry? Also after the mother’s mag polish you waxed the rims?

 

All wet. Whenever you are happy with the shine, apply polish or wax.

 

By the looks of your wheels it look like you still have the factory clear coat. I would advise you only to use a 1000 wet sand paper and polish them out with a wool pad and 3M cutting compound and finish with a polish. Tape off the gold portion of the wheels.

 

I checked i do still have factory clear coat, only problem is the clear is falling off/peeling in several spots, if the PO didn’t put wheel weights on the outside ( I have no idea why anyone does that on nice mags) it would not be bad at all. Also I really want to go for that mirror/high shine look of the rims without clear.

Bob thanks for the clarification on wet sanding on all, I’ve seen some do dry for the rougher grit and wet the rest.

 

If that is the case yeah wet sand the clear out and I used the mother mag polish kit with the 3 piece drill set