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General => Cosmetic and bodywork matters => Topic started by: admc6 on 21 February 2008, 15:57

Title: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 21 February 2008, 15:57: refurbishing your own alloys?

Do you think it is worth a go?

And...Do you have any guides or pointers about doing it?
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: Uruk Hai on 21 February 2008, 18:28: Depends what wheels they are realy, I rubbed down my set of 5 BBs RA's and I'm glad I'm doing it myself but I'm never ever doing it again. Its not fun but if I ever get them on the car it'll be nice to think it was all my work :smiley:
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 23 February 2008, 21:16: Its a set of BBS RXII's. One of them isnt bad but the others are corroded round the edge. I'm more than happy to have a go myself but just looking for some pointers and what products to use.
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: Conker on 24 February 2008, 12:19: I think it depends on the alloy - if they're simple (e.g. 5 spokes) I would have a go, if there complicated (like my RA's) I think it would be too much of a pain.
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 24 February 2008, 14:32: Thats very true, but i can do it for 50quid for all four instead of 250 then its worth it. Not to mention the satisfaction of doing it yourself
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: Uruk Hai on 25 February 2008, 09:02: ^^^ Thats what its all about mate :wink:
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: Ben Lessani on 25 February 2008, 10:48: I'm almost certainly going to do the same with mine. I buggered them up by leaving them on the car over winter - poor chrome!

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=75429.0
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=77887.0
http://www.clean-image.co.uk/alloy-wheel-refurbishment-FAQ.htm

Spraying info,

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=76105.0

Chrome Polishing

http://www.englishcustompolishing.com/usca/aluminum1.html
http://www.eastwoodco.com/polishing-aluminum.htm

Theres hunreds of guides out there, and none of which look too daunting
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 25 February 2008, 12:30: thanks for that. the spraying info was definately one i will use.

I have to say i feel quite comfident in doing a good job now. I'm going to post some pictures of when its all done for people to see
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 25 February 2008, 12:38: Just thought on

Is there a specific silver spray you should use for your alloys?

and...

How would you get the shine back? Do you just put some polish on when its all done?
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: Ben Lessani on 25 February 2008, 12:41: There isn't a specific one really - some come more reccomended than others though. In terms of shine, a good few coats of laquer should do the trick, only apply laquer about after the paint has fully hardened, otherwise it can have a tendancy to eat through the paint.
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 25 February 2008, 13:29: I was thinking about leaving the paint for 24 hours after i have done it, then put the lacquer on
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: BobbyT on 25 February 2008, 17:04: i am going to refurb my wheels on the golf, but they are very easy to do, i wouldnt try on say a bbs type wheel.
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 25 February 2008, 20:12: I must be brave to do it on bbs ones for a first go :laugh:
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: Guy on 25 February 2008, 20:55: you'd need to split them to do the job properly... it would be a pin in the arse job and you need special tools i think!?
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 25 February 2008, 20:58: I know, but i dont think it will be too much trouble
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: Uruk Hai on 26 February 2008, 16:27: Go for it mate, see how you get on with one wheel and put a few pics on here showing how you get on :wink:
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 26 February 2008, 19:01: I will, going to split one 2moro, now i've got the bit i want.
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: BobbyT on 26 February 2008, 21:40: Quote from: admc6 on 25 February 2008, 12:38
Just thought on

Is there a specific silver spray you should use for your alloys?

and...

How would you get the shine back? Do you just put some polish on when its all done?

just pick a colour you like and make sure you use loads of laquer on top to get a deep shine! :smiley:
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: admc6 on 26 February 2008, 21:48: i thought you could only put three coats on
Title: Re: What do you all think about.....
Post by: Uruk Hai on 27 February 2008, 19:08: Could be me but I think the laquer always looks better if you can put it on as thick as possible without it running ?