Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: These rims need Your help! (Read 1530 times) previous topic - next topic

These rims need Your help!

I've learned from past experience that when I experiment with abrasive material things can go very wrong, very quickly.

What should I use to clean up my rims. They are even worse than they look in the picture, if that's possible. They are very pitted and corroded.


wire brush? heavy sandpaper? trash compactor?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
'86 cougar xr-7 2.3 L turbo

These rims need Your help!

Reply #1 –
I restored mine and documented the process here:

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/foxthundercats/tech/wheelrestoration.htm
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

ooh aah

Reply #2 –
That's what I want mine to look like. :D That's exactly the kind of advice I was hoping for.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
'86 cougar xr-7 2.3 L turbo

These rims need Your help!

Reply #3 –
I striped all the clear coat off with aircraft striper. Yes it will take ALL OF IT OFF. It will leave you with uncoated, pitted aluminium (the pits are what are already on the wheel as the aircraft striper does not pit the aluminium). Then I, get this, hand sanded each wheel with a block sander with 80, 100, 120, 180, 220, 300, 400, 600, and 800 grit sand paper. That was followed with a polishing with Meguiar's hot rims aluminium polish. It took 3-4 hours per wheel. Yes I did not clear coat them again as the car never sees winter so salt will not pit and corrode the bare alumium ;)

88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

These rims need Your help!

Reply #4 –
They look fabulous. You must have been very pleased when those were all done!

If my bf helps me, I might be brave enough to try the running-the-car method but if he doesn't I think it will be elbow grease for me.
I was just worried that I could sand them too much or something and take off a layer I shouldn't. It doesn't look like I can hurt them so I'll go ahead. Probably a combo of the two, drill with scotchbrite then sanding block without the wheel turning.

Maybe soon I'll have an updated photo. :)
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
'86 cougar xr-7 2.3 L turbo

These rims need Your help!

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Katmaglia;282590
I was just worried that I could sand them too much or something and take off a layer I shouldn't. It doesn't look like I can hurt them so I'll go ahead.

Well, yes and no. "No", you're not going to take off a layer you shouldn't, but "Yes", you could sand them too much. If you take 80 grit on a power sander, you could put grooves in the rim that would be very tough to get out. Thunderjet did his rims by hand and carefully, so his turned out awesome. If you use power tools, just don't get too carried away. Either way, good luck and definitely post some pics when you're done!
1987 Turbo Coupe - Son's car
1987 Super Coupe - Son's project car
1934 Ford - My project car

These rims need Your help!

Reply #6 –
Quote from: FLSTCI71;282615
Well, yes and no. "No", you're not going to take off a layer you shouldn't, but "Yes", you could sand them too much. If you take 80 grit on a power sander, you could put grooves in the rim that would be very tough to get out. Thunderjet did his rims by hand and carefully, so his turned out awesome. If you use power tools, just don't get too carried away. Either way, good luck and definitely post some pics when you're done!


.....and I would start with maybe 150 to see how it cuts first. if you feel a coarser grit will work faster to start, then move to it and then gradually move it up like Thunderjet did. Using a DA would be great for the center, If you have one.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

it's a start...

Reply #8 –
I was able to spend about 1/2 hour with some #2 steel wool on one of the rims. They weren't as bad as I thought at first. A lot of it was just dirt. I'm encouraged that a little elbow grease will save them. The steel wool hasn't left a single scratch on them of any kind and gets in the little, fine machine marks very well. (it was also what was under my kitchen sink)


p.s. it's not done yet but I'm packing the rv for a road trip.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
'86 cougar xr-7 2.3 L turbo
 

These rims need Your help!

Reply #9 –
lookin good keep up the hard work elbow grease goes a long way . plus u can brag that u did it yourself thats worth more then anything else .