Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 04, 2007, 08:09:38 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 04, 2007, 08:09:38 PM
What do you think I should go with? Satin finish or polished?Hummm
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: DVP on January 04, 2007, 08:11:46 PM
Post by: DVP on January 04, 2007, 08:11:46 PM
Polished!!!!!!!!!!
What tires do you have on those? dont look like trx
What tires do you have on those? dont look like trx
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 84 Fila on January 04, 2007, 08:12:41 PM
Post by: 84 Fila on January 04, 2007, 08:12:41 PM
Lovin the polished!
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: Clayton on January 04, 2007, 08:14:44 PM
Post by: Clayton on January 04, 2007, 08:14:44 PM
Quote from: cougar86_89;121853
Polished!!!!!!!!!!
+1
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on January 04, 2007, 08:21:31 PM
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on January 04, 2007, 08:21:31 PM
polished.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: tireshredder on January 04, 2007, 08:21:40 PM
Post by: tireshredder on January 04, 2007, 08:21:40 PM
Oooohh....shiny!
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 04, 2007, 08:29:56 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 04, 2007, 08:29:56 PM
255-45-17 with TRX centers. This is work in progress.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: tbirdscott on January 04, 2007, 10:59:54 PM
Post by: tbirdscott on January 04, 2007, 10:59:54 PM
Holy shiznit! Didn't think it was possible for those wheels to look good, .
Scott
Scott
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: daboss351 on January 04, 2007, 11:01:12 PM
Post by: daboss351 on January 04, 2007, 11:01:12 PM
polished
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: vinnietbird on January 04, 2007, 11:05:36 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on January 04, 2007, 11:05:36 PM
polished on the outer ring,satin in the middle.Gives the wheels some contrast like that,plus,they would look really sweet.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: CougarSE on January 04, 2007, 11:13:25 PM
Post by: CougarSE on January 04, 2007, 11:13:25 PM
Quote from: 83-88T-Bird Guy;121864
255-45-17 with TRX centers. This is work in progress.
Do tell.. :cool:
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: vinnietbird on January 04, 2007, 11:36:46 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on January 04, 2007, 11:36:46 PM
Yes,do tell.You really have no business showing cool stuff like that without some kind of explanation...............
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: DVP on January 04, 2007, 11:42:16 PM
Post by: DVP on January 04, 2007, 11:42:16 PM
Quote from: 83-88T-Bird Guy;121864
255-45-17 with TRX centers. This is work in progress.
How did you do this?
Quote from: vinnietbird;121895
polished on the outer ring,satin in the middle.Gives the wheels some contrast like that,plus,they would look really sweet.
got one better. polished lip and insets with black face.
or
Polished lip with black face and polished center.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: xr7cat on January 04, 2007, 11:43:10 PM
Post by: xr7cat on January 04, 2007, 11:43:10 PM
Actually it depends on what the color of the car will be and the other accents on the vehicle, if everything is going to be body color I would choose satin, if there is chrome else where then polished.
Personally though I would go with polished!
Personally though I would go with polished!
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 08:21:56 AM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 08:21:56 AM
I am getting much closer to finishing this idea. It all started in 1992 when I bought my first fox T-Bird, the 83 Heritage. It had TRX wheels and man I thought they looked great with that clearcoated machined finish! A year later I had 2 extra TRX wheels lying around to cut up. (remember at that time and for many years, people were throwing these wheels away) I cut the centers out and my thought was to make them into "hub caps". Finally, in 2005 I got my break when I spotted 2 wheels at a swap meet. It just so happens that the TRX centers after machining fit inside these wheels perfectly. :grinno: I have to find a good welder who can tig weld aluminum to fill in the valve stem holes. Then the final test will be the road test. ( my biggest concern will be wheel balance. That is where I am so far.:birdsmily:
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: Chuck W on January 05, 2007, 09:20:23 AM
Post by: Chuck W on January 05, 2007, 09:20:23 AM
satin!
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: Ether947 on January 05, 2007, 07:28:12 PM
Post by: Ether947 on January 05, 2007, 07:28:12 PM
polished ownz!
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: vinnietbird on January 05, 2007, 07:31:08 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on January 05, 2007, 07:31:08 PM
I'm still sayin' polished and satin.........or polished.........or just satin.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 09:11:48 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 09:11:48 PM
here are 3 pics--
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 09:14:17 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 09:14:17 PM
top photo polished outer w satin trx center and cap--middle photo--satin outer w polished center with satin center cap--bottom photo-- satin outer with polished trx center and cap
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 09:23:57 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 09:23:57 PM
Here is some more on car shots--fully polished--oh ,by the way, top photo looks "strange' because I am using Southside Lowers which moved the rear forward 1 inch. That problem will be corrected! --
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: SirTriv on January 05, 2007, 09:37:13 PM
Post by: SirTriv on January 05, 2007, 09:37:13 PM
What are you doing to get that high polished look?
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 09:43:38 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 09:43:38 PM
I spend alot of time wet sanding with 2000 grit paper. I found a place on the internet that sells 2500 grit so that is next. Then I finish off with Mothers creme polish.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: SirTriv on January 05, 2007, 09:53:59 PM
Post by: SirTriv on January 05, 2007, 09:53:59 PM
So what would you recommend for polished wheels that aren't quite polished anymore. Have tarnish from 2 winters. Best I could do was a nicely shined AND tarnished wheel. :)
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: DVP on January 05, 2007, 09:55:53 PM
Post by: DVP on January 05, 2007, 09:55:53 PM
well if the cut outs were all the way thought both then i wold stick with the black center and polished lip but since they arent i say full on poilsh
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 10:01:57 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 05, 2007, 10:01:57 PM
I will tell you what I do. I start out with 800 grit if the aluminum doesn't have any gouges or deep scratches. Use plenty of water. Then go to 1200 grit, then 1500, and finish off with 2000. I will say, the more time you spend on the lower # grit paper (wet-dry paper at the auto parts or paint supply stores) then the better the overall finish will be. I spend a great deal of time with sandpaper but man is it worth it! Hope this helps.:grinno:
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: JeremyB on January 05, 2007, 10:21:27 PM
Post by: JeremyB on January 05, 2007, 10:21:27 PM
I'll be one of the few dissenters and say, Satin.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: DVP on January 05, 2007, 11:33:47 PM
Post by: DVP on January 05, 2007, 11:33:47 PM
what are the wheels behind the TRX center?
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 06, 2007, 11:02:40 AM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 06, 2007, 11:02:40 AM
I think they are billet. Can't find any i.d. marks on them. I got them for $ 20.00 at a swap meet. :grinno: Alan
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: Chuck W on January 06, 2007, 05:33:17 PM
Post by: Chuck W on January 06, 2007, 05:33:17 PM
Again....SATIN.... :hick:
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: Thunder Chicken on January 06, 2007, 06:07:29 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on January 06, 2007, 06:07:29 PM
I like satin too, but I REALLY like the fat that you made useless TRX wheels into something useful and purty. I wonder if the time will ever come when somebody makes repop 10-holes and turbines in 16-17-18" sizes...
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: Ether947 on January 06, 2007, 06:29:46 PM
Post by: Ether947 on January 06, 2007, 06:29:46 PM
Polished.
If someone makes turbines in 17-inch variety I'd buy a set right now.
Oh and Polished. :grinno:
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;122296
I like satin too, but I REALLY like the fat that you made useless TRX wheels into something useful and purty. I wonder if the time will ever come when somebody makes repop 10-holes and turbines in 16-17-18" sizes...
If someone makes turbines in 17-inch variety I'd buy a set right now.
Oh and Polished. :grinno:
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: merccougar50 on January 06, 2007, 06:31:21 PM
Post by: merccougar50 on January 06, 2007, 06:31:21 PM
My first car came with TRX wheels, and I think i sold them because I could not find tires to fit, with out special ordering (big $$). As I recall they were some weird size Michelins.
Are these wheels the same? Mine was an '83 cougar, 3.8L
oh ya.... I vote for satin too. looks much nicer
Are these wheels the same? Mine was an '83 cougar, 3.8L
oh ya.... I vote for satin too. looks much nicer
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 07, 2007, 12:30:24 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 07, 2007, 12:30:24 PM
Here are some shots with the same 17 inch wheel/tire combo with 16 inch T.C. centers.--
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: shame302 on January 07, 2007, 12:58:29 PM
Post by: shame302 on January 07, 2007, 12:58:29 PM
i gotta say, i have always realy hated the look of the TRX wheels but those look wicked nice pollished up.
ive said it befor and ill mention it again cause i love this stuff so much. mothers BILLET pollish is amazing stuff. while its more costly to their other stuff, its well worth it.
sirtriv....this stuff would work great for that.
i have a santa cruz bullit mtbike in polished aluminum. i use this stuff to pollish it up. ive tried all kinds of other products and this stuff is deffinetly the best. keep in mind its not realy for clear coated wheels, just nude aluminum and other pollishable metal....
(http://www.billetspecialties.com/assets/250/0000000716-prod.jpg)
Quote
I spend alot of time wet sanding with 2000 grit paper. I found a place on the internet that sells 2500 grit so that is next. Then I finish off with Mothers creme polish.
ive said it befor and ill mention it again cause i love this stuff so much. mothers BILLET pollish is amazing stuff. while its more costly to their other stuff, its well worth it.
Quote
So what would you recommend for polished wheels that aren't quite polished anymore. Have tarnish from 2 winters. Best I could do was a nicely shined AND tarnished wheel. :)
sirtriv....this stuff would work great for that.
i have a santa cruz bullit mtbike in polished aluminum. i use this stuff to pollish it up. ive tried all kinds of other products and this stuff is deffinetly the best. keep in mind its not realy for clear coated wheels, just nude aluminum and other pollishable metal....
(http://www.billetspecialties.com/assets/250/0000000716-prod.jpg)
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: vinnietbird on January 07, 2007, 04:35:09 PM
Post by: vinnietbird on January 07, 2007, 04:35:09 PM
I LOOOOVE that polish.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: cougrrr302 on January 08, 2007, 02:33:18 AM
Post by: cougrrr302 on January 08, 2007, 02:33:18 AM
Those TRX's look insane...I love em. You should make and sell those. Go Polished, looks GREAT on your Bird.:cool: There is no bowdown smiley anymore.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: JeremyB on January 08, 2007, 10:35:39 AM
Post by: JeremyB on January 08, 2007, 10:35:39 AM
Quote from: cougrrr302
There is no bowdown smiley anymore.
You mean this one? --> :bowdown:
*cough*[SIZE="1"]SATIN[/SIZE]*cough*
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: Chuck W on January 08, 2007, 10:46:00 AM
Post by: Chuck W on January 08, 2007, 10:46:00 AM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;122296
I like satin too, but I REALLY like the fat that you made useless TRX wheels into something useful and purty. I wonder if the time will ever come when somebody makes repop 10-holes and turbines in 16-17-18" sizes...
I really wish the TRX stuff was something useable....
I really liked the looks of them on the cars.
Too bad the Fox stuff won't really see the "restomod" aftermarket pick things up for them. I wouldn't mind a set of 17x8 or 17x9 TRX clones.
I bet if someone was creative, had $$$ and had contacts, a billet set could be done.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: V8Demon on January 08, 2007, 11:02:01 AM
Post by: V8Demon on January 08, 2007, 11:02:01 AM
Satin with a semi gloss black center cap.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 08, 2007, 08:23:01 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 08, 2007, 08:23:01 PM
I might try that. I have a bunch of center caps. I'll spray one with satin finish black and shoot a photo.:grinno:
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on March 18, 2007, 08:08:47 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on March 18, 2007, 08:08:47 PM
I got a photo of all the sizes together:
Stock 390 MM TRX Wheel
16 inch TRX Wheel
17 inch TRX Wheel
polished 17 TRX on the car:
Stock 390 MM TRX Wheel
16 inch TRX Wheel
17 inch TRX Wheel
polished 17 TRX on the car:
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 5.8fastcat on March 18, 2007, 09:22:00 PM
Post by: 5.8fastcat on March 18, 2007, 09:22:00 PM
Polished looks best.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on March 18, 2007, 09:35:33 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on March 18, 2007, 09:35:33 PM
Quote from: 5.8fastcat;135193
Polished looks best.
Yea, I think I like the polished more. But the satin sure look sharp all "cleaned up" with 2000 grit sandpaper. I am having a hard time making a decision.;)
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on March 31, 2007, 09:19:54 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on March 31, 2007, 09:19:54 PM
Here are 3 shots with 225-55-16 0n front and 275-60-17 ( 94 Lightning size) on the rear. Road test next week.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on March 31, 2007, 09:34:09 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on March 31, 2007, 09:34:09 PM
The bottom photo is where I put a TC center in those same 17 inch wheels and Lightning tires. Just need to move them in 3/4 inch with Mustang axles.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: vinnietbird on April 01, 2007, 07:10:46 AM
Post by: vinnietbird on April 01, 2007, 07:10:46 AM
Now those are nice.You did good.Give yourself a high five for me.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: dominator on April 01, 2007, 11:40:12 AM
Post by: dominator on April 01, 2007, 11:40:12 AM
Looks good in polished i must say,however those truck tires gotta go man they don't fit the car at all.
They make it look like a.....................a truck.
As for getting a set of trx wheels made in any size you want,if you had the cash all you would have to do is contact someone like" boyd coddington "who makes custom wheels in house, and show them some pics,easy enough but would be pricey.
They make it look like a.....................a truck.
As for getting a set of trx wheels made in any size you want,if you had the cash all you would have to do is contact someone like" boyd coddington "who makes custom wheels in house, and show them some pics,easy enough but would be pricey.
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on April 01, 2007, 12:03:46 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on April 01, 2007, 12:03:46 PM
Quote from: dominator;137623
Looks good in polished i must say,however those truck tires gotta go man they don't fit the car at all.
They make it look like a.....................a truck.
As for getting a set of trx wheels made in any size you want,if you had the cash all you would have to do is contact someone like" boyd coddington "who makes custom wheels in house, and show them some pics,easy enough but would be pricey.
Yea, the big tires I put on for kicks as a curiosity.
Yes, any "wheel" place with a 3-axis machine could do it, but I am not in the mood to fork over all the money they want to take an original and do the 3-axis work and then the question is, who owns the rights to the software after it is done ?
I will make a prediction....someone in the Mustang community will do this very idea in the not too distant future because of the interest in restoring those 79-84 Mustangs with TRX wheels. My guess is they will CNC their Mustang wheels in a 15 inch size because they are closer to the original 15.3 inch metrics.;)
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 01, 2007, 04:14:15 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 01, 2007, 04:14:15 PM
Quote from: 83-88T-Bird Guy;137628
Yea, the big tires I put on for kicks as a curiosity.
Yes, any "wheel" place with a 3-axis machine could do it, but I am not in the mood to fork over all the money they want to take an original and do the 3-axis work and then the question is, who owns the rights to the software after it is done ?
I will make a prediction....someone in the Mustang community will do this very idea in the not too distant future because of the interest in restoring those 79-84 Mustangs with TRX wheels. My guess is they will CNC their Mustang wheels in a 15 inch size because they are closer to the original 15.3 inch metrics.;)
If some one made TRX style wheels in a 15" size I'd actually buy them. I love the way they look for some reason (then again I love my 8 holes too:hick: ).
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on April 19, 2007, 07:53:40 AM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on April 19, 2007, 07:53:40 AM
Well, I polished the wheels yesterday and mounted the tires. The rear tires are temporary until my 325-17 drag radials come in.
I had the front end aligned as well and was amazed to hear that the camber was still within factory specs from before I put the big block in it. That proves what I have thought for years about the 87-88 TC front springs. They are the best for 460 conversions. The front still has a lot of rise (on take off) with the factory Tokiko electric struts set on "soft". Saturday will be the first day of racing here. I can't wait !!!
I had the front end aligned as well and was amazed to hear that the camber was still within factory specs from before I put the big block in it. That proves what I have thought for years about the 87-88 TC front springs. They are the best for 460 conversions. The front still has a lot of rise (on take off) with the factory Tokiko electric struts set on "soft". Saturday will be the first day of racing here. I can't wait !!!
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on April 19, 2007, 08:07:08 AM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on April 19, 2007, 08:07:08 AM
More pics: I think I will be going polished....
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: 84 Fila on April 19, 2007, 08:24:22 AM
Post by: 84 Fila on April 19, 2007, 08:24:22 AM
Looks nice man. You want a spare set of TRX wheels to play with?
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on April 19, 2007, 08:36:18 AM
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on April 19, 2007, 08:36:18 AM
looking good
Title: I can't decide...2000 Grit Satin or Polished?
Post by: daboss351 on April 19, 2007, 01:24:40 PM
Post by: daboss351 on April 19, 2007, 01:24:40 PM
looks sweeeet!