DIY: How to polish aluminum wheels.

20-CG5-01 said:

Did you hand buff them or used an electrical buffer?

My cousin uses a lot of the 3m rubbing compound at his shop also. Might have to give that a try.

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Nocture said:

I used a drill with an attachment and also a polisher. I couldn't imagine how much more exhausting that would be if doing it by hand. Sanding the wheel grit by grit is tiresome enough. I wouldn't polish another wheel ever again, just too much work, even though the wheel looks great.

I even did the back . Can you tell I have a little ocd? lol
Before

After

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uhhkilleez said:

Can you do this with the tire still mounted? And will I get the same results with the 01-02 V6 wheels with the machined finish?

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20-CG5-01 said:

I wouldn't suggest doing it with tires mounted, you'll have to be extra careful with the paint stripper and when you're sanding. I would just wait til you need to need tires or just take them off. Wouldn't want to ruin a perfectly good tire.

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20-CG5-01 said:

If your lips aren't damaged or bent, do it yourself. Save yourself some money. Since you have your own garage now also that is even better.

For the lips I would also star at 400 grit of they aren't damaged.

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RedRyder said:

Ok thanks. What should I use to get the clearcoat off of them?

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