Polishing my wheels
 

Does anyone know if it is possible to make machined lip rims look like polished rims? I was looking for a diy project and i thought maybe its possible to get metal polish + other materials and give the rims a mirror finish.

My rims have a dull look to them, check out the pic, i want em to look more polished like the second picture.

like this

check out my lip

Mine came like this

but tri to go to RegoSports

they might know where

http://i18.tinypic.com/2ithtgh.jpg


http://i11.tinypic.com/43yu4jd.jpg

Yes, check this link http://350z-tech.com/zwiki/Wheel_Refinishing

Just what i was looking for. My wheels are machined, so i dont think there is a clearcoat on them, does anyone know?

If there isnt then all i have to do is sand and polish.

^^^great link! came out fantastic

i did something somewhat similar using the mothers powerball and Mothers billet metal polish. same idea just without sanding first.
although mine are MUCH shiny'r on the whole, you can stil see small "Scratches" throughout (his wetsanding took care of that for him)
...if you're a bit lazy and want to try my way look up my description and pics.
just search my username under care and detailing--from back in the summer.

I searched for your post and i thought it was really helpful so i wanna link it here as well for those reading:

https://g35driver.com/forums/care-detailing/106999-mothers-powerball-billet-metal-polish-lip-cleaning-polishing-write-up.html

Here is another question though, what do u guys think about using "0000" steel wool on the rim instead of sanding it? Here is where i got the idea:

https://g35driver.com/forums/care-detailing/94546-how-refinish-your-exhaust-tips.html

Exhaust tips are chrome while your wheel lips are aluminum, so that method won't work. Likely your lips are clearcoated as well so they will need to be stripped, the clearcoat can be sanded off but it will take a while using a lower grit, which will then need to be sanded out using progressively higher grits of sandpaper.

What do i coat the rims with after they are polished? Wouldnt they rust if i sanded them and just used a metal polish?

thanks for using my rim as your 2nd picture. i think mine are so shiny because they are brand new. hopefully they'll stay that way, haha :o

Depends on how much you want to spend and how much work you are willing to do. You can have a shop spray clearcoat over them to seal in the shine, or you can just maintain the finish using the metal polish. THey won't rust because they are aluminum, but they will oxidize, which forms a cloudy layer on the surface that comes out with some polishing. Apply a good synthetic sealant on top to extend the polishing time and protect the finish for now and they should hold up fine.

Those are my new favorite wheels ever since i saw that pic.