ZR-1 and Shebly wheels ( Polishing and cleaning)

[-=Jeff=-]

I need to disassemble my Shelby wheels to clean them up mostly..

When I put them back together, what should I torque the bolts to?
I plan on using loctite on the bolts as well, but was curious on the torque spec

3 of the 4 barrels need to be cleaned and polished.. one center needs paint so I might paint all 4..

I am in no rush to get them ready, as my 17" tires are still good.

As for the barrels, I tried, Adams and Mothers without success.. So do I try polishing compound first? or should I use 1500 grit sandpaper to get them clean (Salt damage)

[jonszr1]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

I need to disassemble my Shelby wheels to clean them up mostly..

When I put them back together, what should I torque the bolts to?
I plan on using loctite on the bolts as well, but was curious on the torque spec

3 of the 4 barrels need to be cleaned and polished.. one center needs paint so I might paint all 4..

I am in no rush to get them ready, as my 17" tires are still good.

As for the barrels, I tried, Adams and Mothers without success.. So do I try polishing compound first? or should I use 1500 grit sandpaper to get them clean (Salt damage)

jeff send or show me some pics and i think i can guide you on how best to fix your problems with them .

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by jonszr1

jeff send or show me some pics and i think i can guide you on how best to fix your problems with them .

I need to get some pictures that show the issues..
ones I have are not very good

[tf95ZR1]

Aren't these 3 piece wheels? Be very careful. Remember you
need an air tight seal. I had my wheels chromed and the Bozos
didn't know what they were doing. Slow air leaks were a PITA.
I ended up taking the rims to a competent wheel repair shop.
They told me that there was not only a torqueing sequence, but
some sort of sealer (silicone?) that had to be applied. Now,
no leaks.

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by tf95ZR1

Aren't these 3 piece wheels? Be very careful. Remember you
need an air tight seal. I had my wheels chromed and the Bozos
didn't know what they were doing. Slow air leaks were a PITA.
I ended up taking the rims to a competent wheel repair shop.
They told me that there was not only a torqueing sequence, but
some sort of sealer (silicone?) that had to be applied. Now,
no leaks.

yes they are 3 piece.. there is a silicone seal on the barrel.. there are also no tires on the rims currently. I know locobob had removed his centers to have them powder coated I am hoping he will reply..

Also a friend had his apart too, I need to give him a call as well.

I figure if I take my time I should be good. I might be able to polish the wheels while still together. painting might be another issue though..

[jonszr1]

jeff . how were you trying to polish . were you doing it by hand ? or using buffs?if you are thinking of wet sanding i would try 2500 or 3000. 1500 is a little gritty . key start fine and wrk more coarse only if absolutly needed .if you get good pics for me i can give you step by step proceedures to doing them .i have done alot of these and my kids who are in the business of restoring muscle cars are very good at doing things like this . so get me the pics and i/kids will come up with a plan for you .

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by jonszr1

jeff . how were you trying to polish . were you doing it by hand ? or using buffs?if you are thinking of wet sanding i would try 2500 or 3000. 1500 is a little gritty . key start fine and wrk more coarse only if absolutly needed .if you get good pics for me i can give you step by step proceedures to doing them .i have done alot of these and my kids who are in the business of restoring muscle cars are very good at doing things like this . so get me the pics and i/kids will come up with a plan for you .

I will get you pictures of the worst wheel.. will be a couple days though

I was doing by hand originally, I ordered some compounds and buffing wheels.. the kit was $30.. worth trying..

[Aurora40]

Are the barrels clearcoated? Usually factory wheels are painted so they retain their shine. If so you'd have to strip the clearcoat before you could polish the actual metal (if the metal is the problem).

[-=Jeff=-]

Originally Posted by Aurora40

Are the barrels clearcoated? Usually factory wheels are painted so they retain their shine. If so you'd have to strip the clearcoat before you could polish the actual metal (if the metal is the problem).

no clear coat from what I can see

[Locobob]

For sealant my local wheel shop recommends GE Silicon II window and door sealant - available at Home Depot. You won't need the sealant unless you pull apart the wheel barrels, the centers can be removed without doing so. Torque the perimeter bolts to 20-25ftlbs, they don't need thread locker as they have locknuts on them.