How to clean T-type Rims????

[speedy1320]

Since my car just came out of the body shop with some AWESOME fresh BLACK paint......I was wondering if anyone knew how to "freshen" up the 87 T-type aluminum wheels???

From what I gather......these wheels are POWDER COATED CLEAR.......can anyone confirm this??

If they are powder coated.....any ideas on how to get that "Fresh" cast aluminum look? {Not polished!}

Thanx!

Tom


87 WE-4
Stretch IC
Testa Chip
ATR exhaust
3"DP
Walbro, Hot wire
PP, ADJ FPR
14"K&N

 

[buickboy]

Go buy the spray etching mag cleaner at most any auto parts store. I think castrol makes it. Be sure and get the one that says etching for bare aluminum mags and wheels. It is fantastic stuff.
Mitch

 

[scottyb]

Originally posted by buickboy
Go buy the spray etching mag cleaner at most any auto parts store. I think castrol makes it. Be sure and get the one that says etching for bare aluminum mags and wheels. It is fantastic stuff.
Mitch

Eagle One.

The pic on the bottle looks almost exactly like T wheels.
I was scared to use chemicals, but nothing would clean my wheels, so I did the Eagle One stuff. And WOW! they look new.

 

[Drew L]

Yes, the Eagle One. They do make a couple different grades however so be sure to get the one that says "Rough Cast" on the bottle. You'll like the results but it does need to be done often to maintain them . Good luck. Drew

 

[QuickWE4]

Just be careful with that etching cleaner. It also etches the polished edges of the fins, something you don't want.

Rich

 

[speedy1320]

Wow, Great advice! Thanks! I figured I was in for a "Bead Blast" then re-apply clear situation.

I'll give the Eagle 1 a try......and yes it will be for the BARE cast aluminum!


wish me luck!

Tom

 

[Chris Taylor]

I use a industrial aluminum acid that comes in a 6gal. pail. It is stronger than anything you can buy a the parts store. It will mix with water. Works very well. I can bring some to the BOP in Bristol for you to try. That is, if you are going. to the BOP.

This is how my T wheels look after I use this acid.
http://www.efi-street.com/IMAGES/Nats02/imagepages/image39.htm

You may need to copy the link.

 

[Drew L]

Nice pics! Drew

 

[Chris Taylor]

They are good pics. I don't know who took them. I was looking through the pics. and there was my yellow T. The pic. of my T was taken outside of the TB.com tent.

 

[Daves69]

Tom

I just finished polishing a set of T wheels. They really look good with the spokes and outer edges polished. I found these wheels in a junk yard and they were painted, so I wanted to see what could be done.
The steps I used are as follows:
1. Lightly sand blast front and back sides (to remove the paint)
2. File all the nicks on the edges.
3. I started sanding the wheels with 180 grit paper this was to get the surface smooth. Then I used 220 grit sand paper.
4 After sanding with the above papers I wet sanded with 320, 400,& 600 paper. This left the spokes and outer edge with a nice satin finish.
5. Using a polishing kit I purchased from Eastwood on a 90degree die grinder. I polished the surfaces to a mirror shine. This leaves a residue on the unpolished surfaces that can be removed with lacquer thinner.
6. Use Mothers Mag wheel polish to protect the polished surfaces.

Tip: you can install the wheel on the back of the car and use the car to spin the wheel while sanding the outer edges only.
BE CAREFUL JACK UP BOTH REAR WHEELS. AND BLOCK THE FRONT TIRES WHEN DOING THIS!

 

[speedy1320]

WOW....GUYS!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME !

First of all, let me say that the EAGLE 1 ETCH worked like a CHARM !!!

I used some synthetic steel wool and the Eagle one {With Gloves of course!} And VOILA.....looks like Brand new RIMS!

It took out the "Yellow" tarnish, the brake dust, you name it!


CHRIS....Thanks SO much for the offer......AND the GREAT PICS!!!
I once saw a "Buff" colored T-type back in 87, haven't seen once ever again......Is your color a GM factory color?

DAVE.....Wow, if I ever want to put in some serious hours {Maybe I will over winter!} I think I would LOVE what you did to your rims!!!

But really, thanks so much for all the tips!

Tom

87 WE-4
67K
FRESH PAINT !!!! {finally}

ATR exhaust, 3" Cat, 3"DP
Stretch IC
Walbro, Hotwire
PP, AdjFPR
Testa chip
14"K&N

 

[Crazi]

OMG!!!!

Hey Chris,

I have never seen another ttype the same color as mine!!! I have been looking but thought maybe it was one of those rare colors that nobody got. You car looks exactly like mine except I have an astroroof vs ttops.

When I first looked I was thinking WTF! Someone stole my car!

 

[Chris Taylor]

It is the factory color. I have only seen one other T with this color . Someone was racing it a BG this year. It is in the pics. I posted.

 

[CCG789]

My 1978 Regal was that color, its a loud color