GolfGTIforum.co.uk

General => Cosmetic and bodywork matters => Topic started by: Big Tone on 09 May 2011, 08:13

Title: Polished alloy refurb.Updated with problem.
Post by: Big Tone on 09 May 2011, 08:13
I have seen plenty of info on the net about refurbing alloy wheels where filler is used then painted/coated over once smooth.

However, my wheels have a polished "face" and I would like to remove the scratches and scuffs from this face, I think that I have two options;

1. File/emery out the scratches then polish up.

or

2. Fill with something suitable (Any reccommendations), sand down then polish up.


Dont want to attack the wheels and end up making a mess, but I am unsure as which (If any) filler is suitable to use.

Any help/experiances are appreciated.
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.
Post by: nige_s on 09 May 2011, 10:30
If you want to keep them bare polished then you need to manually remove the scratches, file the worst out then wet and dry increasing the grade, then use a metal polish with plenty of elbow grease.  Thing is if its very deep you'll need to remove alot of material to get the surface something like, problem with that is that you'll be removing material! so depending on the wheel design that could be some critical strength, whilst also losing the surface detail/shape.  If it's that bad you might be best having it done professionally who can then properly weld/fill the bad out.

I'd only use filler on fine cosmetic scratches which are then going to be painted.
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 09 May 2011, 11:26
Just out of curiosity (sorry to hijack thread) but is it easy to refurb polished alloys back to a paint finish?
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.
Post by: nige_s on 09 May 2011, 11:34
Just key, fill/smooth out any scuffs then use an etch primer before you paint or get them powder coated, etc.
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 09 May 2011, 11:37
Just key, fill/smooth out any scuffs then use an etch primer before you paint or get them powder coated, etc.

Cool! I'm thinking of something special for my TT wheels, polshed wheels are a pain in the ass to maintain.  :grin:
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.
Post by: nige_s on 09 May 2011, 11:40

Cool! I'm thinking of something special for my TT wheels, polshed wheels are a pain in the ass to maintain.  :grin:

Floral vinyl wrap?
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 09 May 2011, 12:22
Too late for that, water and the winter storage has already taken it's toll on them. :cry:
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.
Post by: nige_s on 09 May 2011, 12:34
I had this guy polish/refurb my Porsche Fuch rims, 2 sets, for £300!  That was a while ago and I cut a bit of deal with him.
http://www.maverickwheels.co.uk/

Very good and reasonable cost, though he isn't that local to you.
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.Updated with problem.
Post by: Big Tone on 16 May 2011, 11:18
Tried to do my wheels at the weekend and realised that I will never get the polished face the same as what it was originally as it is coated, what do I do?

1. Sand and paint the whole wheel?

2. Sand and POLISH the entire face of each wheel? (My preferance)

3. Leave it?

4. Any other suggestions?

Before;

(http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af99/Big_Tone_2010/WHEEL2.jpg)

After

(http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af99/Big_Tone_2010/Wheel3.jpg)

(http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af99/Big_Tone_2010/Wheel4.jpg)

(http://i997.photobucket.com/albums/af99/Big_Tone_2010/LHFront.jpg)

Yes, I know it needs lowering.....If only money grew on trees!
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.Updated with problem.
Post by: murraymint on 17 May 2011, 13:14
that needs lowering...... lol

yh if you sanded the whole face and each time you did it use finer and finer paper then entually you will get the polished look back, gunna take some time tho,
you could use sanding wheels and a drill to speed up time
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.Updated with problem.
Post by: dom on 17 May 2011, 21:42
If i'm honest I don't think those wheels suite being polished anyway :undecided:

If it were me i'd just spray them black :smiley:
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.Updated with problem.
Post by: vw-8v on 18 May 2011, 13:48
+1

spray them all black they would look the nuts after with that colour of golf and if i find a tree that grows money i will give you a shout  :smiley:
as i too hate being head bk by lack of funds when you have so many ideas to do to the car.
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.Updated with problem.
Post by: Big Tone on 20 May 2011, 08:06
Hmmmmmm........got me thinking now, dont know about spraying them all black.

Part of me wants to, part of me doesn't.

Hmmmmmmmmm
Title: Re: Polished alloy refurb.Updated with problem.
Post by: Guy on 20 May 2011, 12:04
i don't think they look good polished... imo

all black would look ok... you could also fill in all the scratches and damage at the same time  :wink: