Tex Star Detail
Formerly TexasTB
What would YOU charge to polish a set of Alcoa rims on a GMC Dually?
I believe they are clear coated if I am not mistaken.
I believe they are clear coated if I am not mistaken.
What would YOU charge?
- Thread starter Tex Star Detail
- Start date
$40 an hour.
How long will it take YOU do do them?
In 1991, I was quoted $100 per wheel to polish uncoated rims at a wheel shop.
If you have to remove the clearcoat it will be a lot of work. If the clearcoat is good and all they need is polishing, it's a totally different ballgame.
Charles
Jngrbrdman
New member
^^ Ditto. I charge $40 an hour, so it would depend on how bad they are and how long I estimated it would take.
Tex Star Detail
Formerly TexasTB
rims on or off? I know working around the lug nuts are a PITA
TrueDetailer
All About The Bling Bling
I don't like polishing wheels so I would over price it myself to make it worth my time. At least $50 bucks a wheel depending on the style,size,condition,etc.
It shouldn't take you more than 20-30 mins a wheel though, so figure 2 hours. Whats 2 hours worth to you?
It shouldn't take you more than 20-30 mins a wheel though, so figure 2 hours. Whats 2 hours worth to you?
Tex Star Detail
Formerly TexasTB
The guy said that he cleans them with one of those, Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.
Are those things abrasive????? I have never used one, so I am not sure if they would be scratched beyond what I would want to do....
Are those things abrasive????? I have never used one, so I am not sure if they would be scratched beyond what I would want to do....
From the Mr. Clean web-site:
"Attention: The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a highly effective cleaning tool. Test first on an inconspicuous spot with light pressure to see if surface may scratch or dull. Not recommended for use on surfaces that are polished/glossy, or on brushed, satin, dark, or faux finishes. Do not use with chlorine bleach."
Charles
Tex Star Detail
Formerly TexasTB
Looks like the work will be cut out for me then...(no pun intended)
If I take on the job
If I take on the job
Any chance you can do a test spot and see if you think they will clean up like any painted surface?
As I remember the clearcoat that peeled on a set of wheels, the clearcoat was pretty thick.
Are they polished or satin?
Polished could be a lot of work, but to get satin looking good might not be that difficult. Many of the flaws probably won't be all that noticeable. Kind of like doing a white car vs. a black car.
Charles
As I remember the clearcoat that peeled on a set of wheels, the clearcoat was pretty thick.
Are they polished or satin?
Polished could be a lot of work, but to get satin looking good might not be that difficult. Many of the flaws probably won't be all that noticeable. Kind of like doing a white car vs. a black car.
Charles
dr_detail
Beautification Specialist
For me, without seeing the condition of the wheels, it's hard to say. I normally get no less than $50 per wheel if they're off the vehicle. Figure in another 30 minutes per wheel if I have to remove them. I'll also add that Alcoa wheels are normally not clearcoated.
As for a method, I've found that 3M macrofinishing polish (the one that comes in a can) with a lambs wool pad works great as a primary step followed up with either mothers or blue magic metal polish by hand. This method also works great for fixing those stains left from that alkaline based cleaners haphazardly applied by car wash personel
As for a method, I've found that 3M macrofinishing polish (the one that comes in a can) with a lambs wool pad works great as a primary step followed up with either mothers or blue magic metal polish by hand. This method also works great for fixing those stains left from that alkaline based cleaners haphazardly applied by car wash personel
Tex Star Detail
Formerly TexasTB
I thought they were on the pickups, just not the Semi trucks...
??????
I am doing a wash and wax on it tomorrow, so I will do a test spot to check.
budman3
Detail time!
It's hard to tell. Alcoa is now manufacturing aluminum wheels that have some type of coating on it which you should only use soap and water to clean (called Alcoa Camo and Dura-Bright I think). Any polishing would be detrimental to the coating. It's hard because these wheels look like bare aluminum but are much duller so you have to be careful. I guess Alcoa also chomes there wheels as well... another thing to make sure.
From their site- some things that void warranty:
"Cleaning with abrasives, abrasive brushes, steel wool, scouring pads or strong chemicals or harsh car washes. Alcoa Camo™ wheels and Alcoa wheels with a chrome finish should be cleaned with mild soap and water."
This summer I'm going all out on our polished aluminum RV wheels and will have step by step instructions and pictures.
Pricing- Not sure but some companies charge anywhere from $30-100 per wheel polishing.
dr_detail
Beautification Specialist
Real easy way to check for a clearcoat on the wheels... spray acid on them and if they foam up and turn white and/or after rinsing it etches them; bet yer a$$ they're not :lol
Seriously though, if you press your thumbnail (the edge) into the finish on cleared wheels it leaves a slight impression.
Seriously though, if you press your thumbnail (the edge) into the finish on cleared wheels it leaves a slight impression.
Tex Star Detail
Formerly TexasTB
I'll tell the customer you said to do it so they can send you the bill....LOL
Can I use a dab of aluminum polish on a MF and rub in a small spot. If it turns black, then it is uncoated?