i have a potiac rim that has the outer layer flacking away. i can sand it down to the next layer, but i was wondering if that would cause the rim to rust? if i do this, would i need some sort of protective coating?

 

They're aluminum, not steel, so they won't rust.

Better idea is to get some aircraft stripper (Autozone, O'Reilly's, Pep Boys, etc. has it) and strip the old clear coat off. Then you can lightly sand it with 600 or 800 grit and use a buffing wheel on an electric drill to really polish them up nicely.

Optionally you could put some more clear coat after you do all that, or just wax them up real good.

Just don't get the stripper on anything you want the color to stay on (inside the ribs, lettering, etc.)

 

I did that to mine, but rain drops leave little water spots as they oxidize the aluminum. It's not a big deal and a little polish removes it perfectly, but I'd recommend a clear coat.

Also, I see the rim has no tire mounted to it, but in case you strip other rims with tires, tape off the rubber or the stripper may deteriorate the tire.

 

So that's why I get the little water spots!

Now I wonder how well I can rattle can clear coat.....

 

thanks for the replies. i thought that they wouldn't rust, but i wanted to make sure...'cause i've seen soda cans rust before. thanks.