[How-to] Do A Rim Job

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imported_StudyBuddy

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So it all started when I bought my Axis Milano wheels. There was about a quarter size spot of clear coat missing which developed into a huge spot, then multiple spots, then spots on multiple wheels, etc. They were getting black spots on them that could not be removed and looked horrible close-up. So I got a little advice from Toykilla and got some supplies together.



I used:

Simple Green

Aircraft brand stripper

320, 600, 800, 1000, and 2000 grit wet sandpaper

Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish

Mother's Powerball Mini

Poorboy's Wheel Wax & Sealant

LOTS of microfiber towels (blue ones from Sam's)



I started by cleaning all four wheels, which were pretty dirty. I cleaned them inside and out, behind the spokes, lug holes, etc.



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After cleaning, I started to wetsand the clearcoat off of the wheels. I made a mistake here. Instead of starting the wetsanding, I should have used the Aircraft stripper. Doing this caused me to have to do much more wetsanding to get it back to the polished look I was going for. When I used the stripper, it left the surface much brighter and required much less sanding and polishing.



Anyways, the first wheel (the one I wetsanded the clear off of):



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This is the second wheel which I used stripper to remove the clear:



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Here is the difference between the two:



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After stripping the clear coat, I wetsanded all four wheels to a dull finish. The factory finish did not look clear up close at all. After wetsanding the first wheel from 320 grit to 600, then 1000, then 2000 this is the finish that I got:



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Then I polished the wheel with the Mother's Powerball and the Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish:



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Right one is polished, left one is factory finish without clear:



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Then polish by hand:



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I really do hope that's helped somebody. It was a ton of work to do and took me weeks of my spare time, but sometimes it feels better to do it yourself.



Here are a couple of pics I took a couple of nights ago, which turned out pretty terrible.



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Very interesting how-to.



This might be a little strange, but that's the nicest 350Z I have ever seen. For some reason the shape of the Z has always not settled with me quite right. Always liked them and would drive one for sure. But something about yours just flows so well. The wheels to the drop is very impressive. Beautiful car you have there.
 
Thanks for a great write up SB. From your photos it appears they did a poor job of clearcoating those wheels. Your afters look better than the factory finish by far. Did you paint the insides a charcoal gray as it looks that way in the pics? Do you think you'll clear coat them yourself or just continue to polish and apply wheel sealant? Great looking Z; your wheel and tire combination really do set it off. :woot2:
 
The thing is, your wheel no longer has a clear coat anymore. Have you thought of getting them re-clear coated? It will protect the finish a lot better than a layer of wax over bare aluminum.
 
Excellent write-up. I used a very similar process months ago to restore some polished wheels.



And let me say....that is one SEXY Z!



Also let me add something in about the Aircraft Stripper...BE VERY VERY VERY CAREFULL with this stuff. If this is the same stuff I used, it's a green looking oooze and it's VERY powerfull stuff. You need much more protection than a simple pair of gloves to use this stuff. I got a bit on my skin when I was using it (didn't notice it at the time) and within seconds I had an unbarable burning sensation on my skin. I managed to get it off in time, but the stuff is harsh for a reason.....I used it to strip the wrinkle paint off my valve cover...
 
2000firebird said:
thanks for the writeup! i have curb damage on my machined lips and not sure what to do.. if wetsanding will do anything or.. what to do with em.



heres a pic of it :( two wheels have it

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/00firebird/100_1474curb.jpg
Click to expand...



Nice write-up. Excellent results!!



2000Firebird... Unfortunately your wheel damage is beyond repair of sandpapaer. Wet or dry. I'm not sure how those could be repaired. Maybe by a professional with a Lathe?
 
There was a writeup on autopia-carcare or betterautocare that said how to fix the curb damage- basically you use a substance to fill it in, and then polish and re-clear.



The wheels look great- I'd definitely pay someone to clearcoat them though. You've done all the tough prep work, a shot of clear would help keep them looking great!
 
Ben Kenobi said:
Thanks for a great write up SB. From your photos it appears they did a poor job of clearcoating those wheels. Your afters look better than the factory finish by far. Did you paint the insides a charcoal gray as it looks that way in the pics? Do you think you'll clear coat them yourself or just continue to polish and apply wheel sealant? Great looking Z; your wheel and tire combination really do set it off. :woot2:
Click to expand...

The factory clear wasn't necessarily bad, but I bought the wheels used and over time they looked milky. It was really thick compared to other wheels I've seen too. I'm not sure what the dark grey is, but that's the way the wheels came. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. :2thumbs:
 
Z K said:
The thing is, your wheel no longer has a clear coat anymore. Have you thought of getting them re-clear coated? It will protect the finish a lot better than a layer of wax over bare aluminum.
Click to expand...

I want to get them re-cleared. I wanted to see how the wax would protect it first, but all it will take is a little polish every other wash or so I figured. I'll keep everyone updated on the longevity of the wax though. :waxing:
 
2000firebird said:
thanks for the writeup! i have curb damage on my machined lips and not sure what to do.. if wetsanding will do anything or.. what to do with em.



heres a pic of it :( two wheels have it

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/00firebird/100_1474curb.jpg
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to see that :o , but those are going to have to be replaced. There are ways of fixing curb rash yourself, but it requires repainting the wheels and doesn't sound worth the hassle. That curb really got ahold of you. :sign
 
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