polishing

[rbidwell]

I have been considering polishing my wheels and some of the suspension parts. I was hoping that someone could give me some advice on what tools and supplies I might need. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks. Ron

[ZR-1Mom]

Polishing the suspension parts are easy, all you need is any aluminum polish like from Mothers etc. Just use a rag to wipe it on and rub it off. No special tools are needed just elbow grease. I start with paper towels to cut down on the rags until it starts to shine.

The wheels are a different story. If they are stock wheels then they are clear coated. Take it from someone who did two sets, an '87 and a '93. You should think twice about it. You have to strip the clear coat first before you can polish the wheels. It takes a lot of work. Have it done by a professional or buy/trade in your set for some already polished.

[Jim Jones]

If you do decide to polish your wheels, check out this thread:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61169&highlight=wheel+polishing

I am going to polish mine at some point in the near future and there are a lot of helpful suggestions on that thread.

Good Luck!

Jim

[rbidwell]

Thanks guys. I had read those posts on the Corvette Action Center, but did not go to the CarDomain site for the additional information. Should get me started. Ron

[Jim Jones]

Looking at the car domain site the difference is like night and day!! I'm hoping to get mine started this week.

[Aurora40]

Just FYI, but factory wheels are clearcoated, so you'd have to strip that off prior to polishing the metal. :)

I've *heard* that aircraft strippers work very well for this, though I've never stripped wheels before.

[Jim Jones]

Yea, I read the cardomain site on the CAC thread. I had another member tell me to use acetone. I really want to polish the rims because the results on the cardomain site were just awesome and I think the bright polished aluminum rims will really look great when my black car is clean and polished.

[Kevin]

Suspension is easy. Get a rotary tool it will help a lot.

[Mikez40]

Polishing the suspension parts are easy, all you need is any aluminum polish like from Mothers etc. Just use a rag to wipe it on and rub it off. No special tools are needed just elbow grease. I start with paper towels to cut down on the rags until it starts to shine.

To help make it even easier and a little less elow grease, use 00 steel wool with the Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish on your suspension.

[Jim Jones]

It never occurred to me to polish the suspension. Got any pics of the polished suspension? Sounds like a good idea though and much easier than the wheels. I'm guessing that there isn't any clear coating on the suspension.

[zr1mom]

You are correct there is no clear coating. Just open your hood take a little aluminum polish and rub it on any of the suspension pieces and wipe off. You'll be surprised how quickly these pieces shine up after just few few times. :thumbsup:

[Jim Jones]

Thanks for the info ZR1Mom! (I don't feel right about just putting "Mom" ;)) I'm gonna polish them this week hopefully!!

[cuisinartvette]

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1117710&highlight=wheel+polishing&forum_id=34