Polishing Mazda factory alloys

[fastivaca]

Does anyone know if it's possible to polish the factory alloys to a bright finish? I've been thinking that would look a lot better than stock.

If it is possible, how do you keep them shiny? I'm guessing some kind of clearcoat.

Thanks in advance.

[FB71]

typically, any factory alloy wheel can be polished. The surfaces usually don't have casting inclusions to disturb the finish, because any wheels with defects would have been recycled at the factory due to safety issues. After polishing, the wheel will need to be cleaned thouroughly with a non-caustic detergent (alcohol based cleaners are typically safe), because anything with an acid can etch and dull the finish. Finish off with a clearcoat. I've actually been very happy with Rustoleum clear in a rattle can, tough stuff.

[hotrodin4me]

you could also have them glassbeaded then have them powercoated in a color called Nearchrome. had a few things done in that color for my hotrod looks fantastic. actually thinking to do that to the wheels on my black festy.

[MPG]

you could also have them glassbeaded then have them powercoated in a color called Nearchrome. had a few things done in that color for my hotrod looks fantastic. actually thinking to do that to the wheels on my black festy.

You need to be extremely careful when it comes to powdercoating aluminum wheels. Depending on the heat treat curve used by the shop doing the work the wheels could be unaffected or they could become brittle, resulting in:


Personally I would avoid powercoating any critical aluminum parts.

[fastivaca]

:shock: I don't think I'll go the powdercoating route!

Thanks for thee input

[rolla4me]

^^^^^^^^ damnnnnnnnn

[FB71]

MPG, I was going to say the same thing about powdercoating... great pic!

[fastivaca]

I forgot I started this thread... old age setting in. Anyway, if I do decide to polish the alloys what materials/product should I use?

Thanks again,

[JPT]

Bump.

I'd like to know too.

[CharlieZ]

Fastavaca,
Search the web for "alloy wheel refinishing." You'll get a lot of commercial hits and a few DYI articles. Here's one for example:

http://zhome.com/Classic/HowTo/RefnAlWh.htm

CZ

[deathegg]

Just in case anyone is interested, there is a good article on how to restore aluminum wheels in the new issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines. In the article, they work on AMC wheels I think, but the methods used apply to most all alloys.