Brainstorm for removing gouges/deep scratches from C3 aluminum wheels - need opinions/suggestions

Lee80 · 07-24-2002, 06:52 PM

Just picked up an extra set of aluminum wheels. They have deep scratches and even some gouges - someone must have beat these with the old bfh a few times - don't ask me why. :smash:

This requires more than a drill with a buffing wheel. My idea is to put the rear of the car up securely on jackstands, and use the rearend as a lathe to remove the gouges. Call me Bubba, but other than the safety issue, can any damage be done?

[Modified by Lee80, 6:15 AM 7/26/2002]

flynhi · 07-28-2002, 10:36 PM

Sandpaper, then steel wool then wenol then mothers.
Use lots of elbow grease. If you use power, be VERY careful. You can really mess up alum easily.
W.

4GTWRK · 07-31-2002, 12:55 PM

Try wet/dry sandpaper using WD40 as a lubricate to prevent the paper from clogging. Start out with 600 grit for the real bad spots and work your way up to 1500 grit, then polish.

Dave

82dukman · 07-31-2002, 11:06 PM

When I redid a set of 82 rims for mine I started with # 600, then #800 and finally #1500. Did them on a bench just going around the circumference of the wheel. Just make sure you polish them. You are going to strip the clear coat off doing this