Sanding aluminum wheel lips

[G-ZUS]

I have a rare set of 2 piece aluminum wheels that were not been taken care of for 18 years and the lips are oxidized/pitted. Any tips on sanding them back to their original glory? Have been hand sanding for days with 220 grit sandpaper but it's getting old. Any machines that i can use? Palm sander perhaps?

[jacky4566]

Why 220? If they have big gashes start lower. 80 then 150 then 220. Lots of power standers to chose from.

OR just take a flap wheel to them :rofl:

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Shit, I'd just jack up the drive wheels on the car (on jack stands with chocks, obv.), mount the wheels on them, start the car and stick it in 1st. Hold sandpaper on spinning wheel for as long as it takes. Keep your fingers out of the spokes!

Pretty much this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy7Qkkww78s

I take no responsibility if you lose fingers doing it, though. ;)

[G-ZUS]

Originally posted by BerserkerCatSplat
Shit, I'd just jack up the drive wheels on the car (on jack stands with chocks, obv.), mount the wheels on them, start the car and stick it in 1st. Hold sandpaper on spinning wheel for as long as it takes. Keep your fingers out of the spokes!

Pretty much this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy7Qkkww78s

I take no responsibility if you lose fingers doing it, though. ;)

I considered that however i already have taken them apart

[Rocket1k78]

Originally posted by jacky4566
Why 220? If they have big gashes start lower. 80 then 150 then 220. Lots of power standers to chose from.


This. If its really bad you gotta go lower grit than 220. I also heard you should wet sand the last couple rounds.

[btimbit]

Quick sandblast? Hard to say without pics

[cam_wmh]

I bought some BBS LM's from a guy who winter drove them. They were pitted, flaking sealant, and had that weird white 'oxidation?".

I tore them down, and started with 50 grit, and moved all the way to 2000. It sucks, its arduous, but it pays off.

I will say, anyone who does this -- only does it once.

from this:
http://i.imgur.com/5aMDhcz.jpg

to this:
http://i.imgur.com/Vyjx0rQ.jpg

[G-ZUS]

Originally posted by cam_wmh
I bought some BBS LM's from a guy who winter drove them. They were pitted, flaking sealant, and had that weird white 'oxidation?".

I tore them down, and started with 50 grit, and moved all the way to 2000. It sucks, its arduous, but it pays off.

I will say, anyone who does this -- only does it once.

from this:
http://i.imgur.com/5aMDhcz.jpg

to this:
http://i.imgur.com/Vyjx0rQ.jpg


Did you do all the sanding by hand? :barf: looks like i will bump it up to 50

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by G-ZUS



Did you do all the sanding by hand? :barf: looks like i will bump it up to 50

Yup, by hand.