How to polish your 18" Factory Wheels

[Raymond]

First of all this is not an easy thing to do but power tools sure make the job more encouraging.
Painted stock wheel:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4460/48962523ii 0.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48962523 ii0.jpg)

Step 1. Use duct tape on inside of wheel so paint remover won't get on inside of wheel. Strip off all paint with paint remover and use a small wire brush to remove all paint.
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4084/34624921tq 8.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=34624921 tq8.jpg)http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4632/22 127666gf6.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=22127666 gf6.jpg)
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4888/11041314yq 0.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11041314 yq0.jpg)

At this point you know you are in for a tough job when you see that the aluminum has a textured surface. Great for paint to stick to a painted wheel.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6613/16392436bd 9.jpg

Step 2. You will have to use a DA starting with 80 grit, then to 120 grit, to 220 grit, then start to wet sand 400 grit, to 600 grit, to 800 grit, to 1000 grit, to 1200 grit, 1500 grit and finish with 2000 grit. Wet sanding is easy. For the hard to reach parts use a dremel tool.

Here's some pictures of the texture sanded off and getting ready to wet sand. Make sure texture is off or some areas will look like the aluminum is pitted.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3781/1007549.jpg (http://img91.imageshack.us/i/1007549.jpg/)

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/8867/1007551.jp g (http://img256.imageshack.us/i/1007551.jpg/)

Step 3. Look over wheel to see where more wet sanding may be needed.

Step 4. This part is easy if you have gotten all deep scratches out and gone through the grits of sandpaper. Time to start polishing. Use a 4" buffing wheel on a air drill with polishing compound. The more you polish the deeper the shine!
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9673/10ht0.jpg

Here is a picture of the before (stripped wheel) and after.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8131/13cf3.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/my.php?image=13cf3.jp g)

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/5664/1115081341.t h.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/1115081341.jpg/)

Warning: This job is very difficult to do and requires alot of patience!

[tom's2005gto]

Good job Raymond.

[bjs06gto]

That's about 6-8 hrs each wheel for the avg. DIY guy.

Great Job!!!

[DiamondJoeQuimby]

how long until they get tarnished?

[menace121978]

i have 1 that i started on a few months back but there is too many imperfections in the casting... (weird marks/discoloration on the face of the spokes/ really deep pitting that seems to go through the aluminum) of course the pics of mine look great on the camera but up close in person its not perfect... our yours like this also?

oh yea i have at least 80+ hrs. just on the same rim trying to get the imperfections out!...

[Raymond]

i have 1 that i started on a few months back but there is too many imperfections in the casting... (weird marks/discoloration on the face of the spokes/ really deep pitting that seems to go through the aluminum) of course the pics of mine look great on the camera but up close in person its not perfect... our yours like this also?

oh yea i have at least 80+ hrs. just on the same rim trying to get the imperfections out!...
I found out alot of the pitting is just the texture on the outside of the wheel. You really have to cut down past the texture. Have to get agressive with the DA. Maybe my wheels are different but I only had one small pit about the size of two pinheads. Did you use a DA or something else?

[Raymond]

how long until they get tarnished?
The best shine is to keep polishing. I think I will clearcoat them since I drive the car everyday.

[wickedgto8]

nice thread! Very helpful.

[nygto]

First of all this is not an easy thing to do but power tools sure make the job more encouraging.
Painted stock wheel:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4460/48962523ii 0.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48962523 ii0.jpg)

Step 1. Use duct tape on inside of wheel so paint remover won't get on inside of wheel. Strip off all paint with paint remover and use a small wire brush to remove all paint.
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4084/34624921tq 8.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=34624921 tq8.jpg)http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4632/22 127666gf6.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=22127666 gf6.jpg)
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4888/11041314yq 0.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11041314 yq0.jpg)

At this point you know you are in for a tough job when you see that the aluminum has a textured surface. Great for paint to stick to a painted wheel.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6613/16392436bd 9.jpg

Step 2. You will have to use a DA starting with 80 grit, then to 120 grit, to 220 grit, then start to wet sand 400 grit, to 600 grit, to 800 grit, to 1000 grit, to 1200 grit, 1500 grit and finish with 2000 grit. Wet sanding is easy. For the hard to reach parts use a dremel tool.

Step 3. Look over wheel to see where more wet sanding may be needed.

Step 4. This part is easy if you have gotten all deep scratches out and gone through the grits of sandpaper. Time to start polishing. Use a 4" buffing wheel on a air drill with polishing compound. The more you polish the deeper the shine!
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9673/10ht0.jpg

Here is a picture of the before (stripped wheel) and after.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8131/13cf3.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/my.php?image=13cf3.jp g)
Warning: This job is very difficult to do and requires alot of patience!

Raymond, Great job.Can't wait to see them on your Gto.I have a set of 18's in my basement ?? you got me thinking

[HolyGoat]

Looks Great Raymond.

[Raymond]

That's about 6-8 hrs each wheel for the avg. DIY guy.
Great Job!!!

Good job Raymond

nice thread! Very helpful.

Raymond, Great job.Can't wait to see them on your Gto.I have a set of 18's in my basement ?? you got me thinking

Looks Great Raymond.

Thanks guys for the comments! If I would have known the work involved - I would have passed. But since I am commited to the project - It will be close to perfect when I get through. I will post pictures of the GTO when complete. I am also going with larger Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tires 245/40/18 and 275/35/18 that are waiting in the garage when wheels are ready. If the 275/35/18's don't look right on the stock 18's then I will send them off to Weldcraft for a 1" widen. I have been quoted $200.00 per wheel plus shipping.

[RitcheyRch]

Looks good and definitely a lot of work.

[menace121978]

I found out alot of the pitting is just the texture on the outside of the wheel. You really have to cut down past the texture. Have to get agressive with the DA. Maybe my wheels are different but I only had one small pit about the size of two pinheads. Did you use a DA or something else?

i have been using a DA and also a mouse palm sander... and then the wet sanding by hand. i'm at a loss... but i havent completely given up yet! you have given me some hope!!!!!

[menace121978]

oh yea what kinda polish have you been using?

[05 goater]

wow... bro that look amazing..... wow word cant say how good that look . i would have thought you sent it out to get done and trying to pull a fast one on us. that's so nice great job.

[kjhallex]

wow great write up I think its looks great!! Now you have me wanting to do mine.

[torrid_nc]

So what would is cost to get this done? Better yet, how much do you want to do my 18s the same way?

[ww_Crimson]

So what would is cost to get this done? Better yet, how much do you want to do my 18s the same way?

.

Obviously between the 2 shipping costs and labor it would probably almost be worth it to get them professionally chromed / plasma coated but I'm curious what you think the work is worth

[Raymond]

i have been using a DA and also a mouse palm sander... and then the wet sanding by hand. i'm at a loss... but i havent completely given up yet! you have given me some hope!!!!!

Start with the hardest part first - where the lug holes are and you need to pick up some special sanding accessories:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5576/20vk0.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20vk0.jp g)
Only use 80 grit on the DA because the scratches are worse when sanding by hand. Use the dremel in the tight spaces and then wrap 120 grit around a paint paddel to sand flat and smooth areas.

The sanding drum fine grit in a air drill will cut the lug holes smooth.
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/230/21iy3.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=21iy3.jp g)

Once the texture is removed then you can start going through finer grit sandpaper. If not you will still see the texture and it will look like pits in the aluminum. The spokes are the easiest. Just start with a fresh 80 grit on a DA and work the aluminum down. Don't start wet sanding till all scratches are removed and texture is gone.

Once you finish wet sanding with 2000 grit all scratches should be gone. If not go back with 600 grit and work area and go back through the grits of sandpaper.

I use the Meguiar's Mag and Aluminum Polish because it is not recommended for painted and clearcoat wheels so I know it will be a stronger polish. Buff using the 4" buffing wheel in the air drill.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9831/26ya8.jpg (http://img508.imageshack.us/my.php?image=26ya8.jp g)

Hand polish to a clean finish. The more you polish the greater the shine!

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/890/27gt5.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27gt5.jp g)

Besides a College degree, I have also graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College in Auto body repair and have worked in the field as a Auto Body Technician and I have also built a Lambo replica kit car. I know you can do this!

[menace121978]

wow! thanks man... this is sweet. i have everything but the large flap wheel and the meguires polish.

[menace121978]

ah ha LOL!! my wife just came in here and asked if that was my wheel... few months back i started a thread just like this...

[nygto]

The best shine is to keep polishing. I think I will clearcoat them since I drive the car everyday.

Raymond, what type of clear will you use.

[RitcheyRch]

Could always send them out and get clear anodized after to protect the finish.

[Raymond]

Raymond, what type of clear will you use.

I have automotive clearcoat that bodyshops use on basecoat/clearcoat paint jobs. It has a hardener that you mix with the clear to make it durable. I have been measuring my oven to see if the wheel will fit in it so I can bake the clear on like they do at bodyshops. I think its like 180 degrees for 50 minutes?

[5POINT7SS]

This is nice but does anyone know how much it will run to get the stock ones chromed?

[LIVEVIL]

Looks good

[Raymond]

I have read alot of threads and have seen some chrome 18" that look incredible. And I have read others that like the polished look. Sometimes the chrome reflection under different light - day or night or the color of the car can make a difference. Here is a better picture of the wheels taken outside with bright sun. I wish I had one of the wheels painted for a comparison. Since I am doing the work myself, The cost is very low.

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5573/29ye1.jpg (http://img505.imageshack.us/my.php?image=29ye1.jp g)

[tigeragogo]

They look great...any pictures on the GTO?

[traeh22]

^^^

They look great man, keep up the good work:)

[LucyBop]

sweet....

[nygto]

Start with the hardest part first - where the lug holes are and you need to pick up some special sanding accessories:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5576/20vk0.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20vk0.jp g)
Only use 80 grit on the DA because the scratches are worse when sanding by hand. Use the dremel in the tight spaces and then wrap 120 grit around a paint paddel to sand flat and smooth areas.

The sanding drum fine grit in a air drill will cut the lug holes smooth.
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/230/21iy3.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=21iy3.jp g)

Once the texture is removed then you can start going through finer grit sandpaper. If not you will still see the texture and it will look like pits in the aluminum. The spokes are the easiest. Just start with a fresh 80 grit on a DA and work the aluminum down. Don't start wet sanding till all scratches are removed and texture is gone.

Once you finish wet sanding with 2000 grit all scratches should be gone. If not go back with 600 grit and work area and go back through the grits of sandpaper.

I use the Meguiar's Mag and Aluminum Polish because it is not recommended for painted and clearcoat wheels so I know it will be a stronger polish. Buff using the 4" buffing wheel in the air drill.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9831/26ya8.jpg (http://img508.imageshack.us/my.php?image=26ya8.jp g)

Hand polish to a clean finish. The more you polish the greater the shine!

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/890/27gt5.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=27gt5.jp g)

Besides a College degree, I have also graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College in Auto body repair and have worked in the field as a Auto Body Technician and I have also built a Lambo replica kit car. I know you can do this!

Raymond this might sound goffy.I was told by some old timers that do polishing that they use baking powder or baking soda.Cant remember which.They use it to bring the shine up and remove the fine scratchs.

[ls2alex]

those look great

[MikeZ28]

Does that paint remover label say "Low Odor Aircraft Remover"? :sneaky: I don't see the word "Paint".

[Junkyard Dog]

You have wayyyyyyy more patience and time then me. You sir, are my idol when it comes to this.
Years ago, I did the engine covers on my 1975 Z1-900 Kawasaki and I thought that was a lot of work. As I remember the correct grit roughe or compound with the wheel worked good.

[torrid_nc]

This is nice but does anyone know how much it will run to get the stock ones chromed?

I think it's about $100-150 per wheel by a reputable shop. If you can't find anyplace local, shipping would be on top of that. I'm considering an outfit called Cal Chrome that is supposed to be pretty good, but not cheap.

Does that paint remover label say "Low Odor Aircraft Remover"? :sneaky: I don't see the word "Paint".

I think the label means exactly what is says - aircraft remover. Good for getting rid of those pesky Pipers that buzz your house.

[Raymond]

I think it's about $100-150 per wheel by a reputable shop. If you can't find anyplace local, shipping would be on top of that. I'm considering an outfit called Cal Chrome that is supposed to be pretty good, but not cheap.



I think the label means exactly what is says - aircraft remover. Good for getting rid of those pesky Pipers that buzz your house.

That is a brand name but it is a paint remover and it really works well. The factory paint looks smooth and the primer the factory uses is really cool because it fills in the texture of the aluminum to put paint on top. I really was thinking the aluminum was smooth because the wheel paint is so smooth. Boy was I wrong! Do you think that a person that would like some wheels chromed would have to have the aluminum smooth first?

[torrid_nc]

My understanding is aluminum is a very difficult material to either paint or plate. Nothing wants to stick to it.

[vlj1216]

looks good

[goat60]

seems like alot of work, wouldn't it be better to just chrome them.

[tommyb]

Looks awesome. But pardon my retardation...wtf does DA mean haha.

[kjhallex]

Looks awesome. But pardon my retardation...wtf does DA mean haha.

District Attorney lol Its a dual action sander some people even call it a vibrator :gr_jest:

[nygto]

I have read alot of threads and have seen some chrome 18" that look incredible. And I have read others that like the polished look. Sometimes the chrome reflection under different light - day or night or the color of the car can make a difference. Here is a better picture of the wheels taken outside with bright sun. I wish I had one of the wheels painted for a comparison. Since I am doing the work myself, The cost is very low.

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5573/29ye1.jpg (http://img505.imageshack.us/my.php?image=29ye1.jp g)

Raymond, can't wait to see them on your car. btw nice work.

[MidnightThunder]

wheels look great, thats alot of fricken work though, all the power to ya great job man

[Raymond]

Raymond, can't wait to see them on your car. btw nice work.

Finally - After 2 weeks and easily 40+ hours of stripping, sanding off texture, wet sanding and polishing ( I will spend more time finishing polishing ) the wheels are finished! I will try to get the tires mounted Monday and post some pictures. Had a problem trying to get my Potenza RE050 tires mounted - could not get bead to set- it is a run flat tire with super tough sidewalls. I have tried two places today with no luck. I think I have sanded my fingerprints off! lol

[josh99ta]

I dropped by Ray's today to pick up some of his old tires for my winter wheels and got to check this little project out (Ray may want to kill me for calling it a little project though, it's quite the undertaking). The wheels are looking awesome. Polished > chrome. When they're completely done they're going to be jawdropping IMO.

Ray, sucks to hear about the tires not going on right. Hopefully you can get it taken care of tomorrow. There is a new National Tire & Battery that opened up in Hendersonville and the manager up there is a guy who knows his stuff and only keeps good people on staff. If you're looking for somewhere good to go head up there, ask for Matt the manager, and tell him Josh with the Spice Red GTO sent you. He'll make sure those tires get on there right and that they're handled with the utmost care.

Thanks again for hooking me up on those take off tires of yours. I can't wait to get these winter wheels on.

[kjhallex]

I just picked up a set of 18's for this very reason. I can't wait to get started on them. :turbonaug

[Raymond]

Just a quick update on the wheels. Had a problem mounting the Bridgestone Potenza RE050a 275/35/18 run flats on the factory 18" rim thats 8" in width. After 6 tire shops and nobody can set the beads. Never will I buy run flats again besides everything neg I have heard. Rim too narrow so I have sent them out to be widen at Weldcraft. What I have read, 1" widen will be perfect and will mount on rear with no spacers. When the wheels get back, I will smooth the welds and paint the inside of the wheels to give it a smooth factory look. Just another step closer in finishing the project! Can't wait to post some pics.

[kjhallex]

Man that sucks!! but hey you can get them widened now hahaha... I now have all of the wheels stripped and I almost have one wheel done (getting the pits out) this is a lot of work.

I sent you 2 pm's and no reply? lol

[apierce918]

using progressive polishing compounds rather than that meguirs stuff would cut down on your sanding time DRAMATICALLY

[kjhallex]

using progressive polishing compounds rather than that meguirs stuff would cut down on your sanding time DRAMATICALLY

What type of compounds? more info please???? Im in the process of doing this.

[apierce918]

With aluminum you should be able to start with tripoli after 220 grit, and then follow up with white rouge after the tripoli. use an electric drill (not cordless, ones with a wire are much more powerful amd mpt as heavy) with a decent buffing wheel and you will s#%t yourself when you see how much work the compound will do for you.

I polished an intake manifold on an old 944, it was a very rough cast, i started out doing the progressive sanding thing, and after i looked to help because i had blisters form wetsanding, i learned that the abrasives in the compounds are meant to do the hard work :)

[Raymond]

Just a quick update on the wheels. Had a problem mounting the Bridgestone Potenza RE050a 275/35/18 run flats on the factory 18" rim thats 8" in width. After 6 tire shops and nobody can set the beads. Never will I buy run flats again besides everything neg I have heard. Rim too narrow so I have sent them out to be widen at Weldcraft. What I have read, 1" widen will be perfect and will mount on rear with no spacers. When the wheels get back, I will smooth the welds and paint the inside of the wheels to give it a smooth factory look. Just another step closer in finishing the project! Can't wait to post some pics.

Teaser pic: Polished and widen!

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/1843/0000290nq4 .jpg (http://img113.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0000290n q4.jpg)

I hope to have them on the GTO next week.

[REBinc]

Those look really good, can't wait to see pictures of them on the car.

[ls2alex]

lookin good

[kjhallex]

Ray they look great! Its a ton of work lol

[Raymond]

Ray they look great! Its a ton of work lol

What do you think about painting the backside a semiblack? We had talked about it before.

[kjhallex]

What do you think about painting the backside a semiblack? We had talked about it before.

I think any kind of black on the back side is really going to make the polished part stand out more. (IMO) I will be painting mine PBM. Im fixing to leave the house now to go work on my wheels lol.

[RitcheyRch]

Those look good

[KCGOAT]

What do you think about painting the backside a semiblack? We had talked about it before.

Hey Raymond - backside in semi or satin black sounds like a great way to set off the polished portion. However, if your car is driven daily it may be tough to keep the black clean. Just for my two cents, another alternative would be to paint the inner portion a color that would hide dust and dirt (semi flat pewter, silver, competition gray, etc....). Anyway, your wheels look spectacular - nice work!

[the8rotor]

wow those look great. i am contemplating doing this as well but i question my patience for this undertaking... apierce918, do you have any other insight as to any other tricks to cut down on total sanding/polishing time?

[kjhallex]

wow those look great. i am contemplating doing this as well but i question my patience for this undertaking... apierce918, do you have any other insight as to any other tricks to cut down on total sanding/polishing time?

HAHA!!! boats and hoes man that movie was funny.

[Raymond]

Hey Raymond - backside in semi or satin black sounds like a great way to set off the polished portion. However, if your car is driven daily it may be tough to keep the black clean. Just for my two cents, another alternative would be to paint the inner portion a color that would hide dust and dirt (semi flat pewter, silver, competition gray, etc....). Anyway, your wheels look spectacular - nice work!

Thanks for your input. Factory silver didn't show much dirt. Well, since the Barbados is gone (cry, cry) we get to see what it will look like on Torrid red with 1" drop in front and .8" drop in rear.

[MaverickBertsch]

First of all this is not an easy thing to do but power tools sure make the job more encouraging.
Painted stock wheel:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4460/48962523ii 0.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48962523 ii0.jpg)

Step 1. Use duct tape on inside of wheel so paint remover won't get on inside of wheel. Strip off all paint with paint remover and use a small wire brush to remove all paint.
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4084/34624921tq 8.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=34624921 tq8.jpg)http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4632/22 127666gf6.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=22127666 gf6.jpg)
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4888/11041314yq 0.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11041314 yq0.jpg)

At this point you know you are in for a tough job when you see that the aluminum has a textured surface. Great for paint to stick to a painted wheel.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6613/16392436bd 9.jpg

Step 2. You will have to use a DA starting with 80 grit, then to 120 grit, to 220 grit, then start to wet sand 400 grit, to 600 grit, to 800 grit, to 1000 grit, to 1200 grit, 1500 grit and finish with 2000 grit. Wet sanding is easy. For the hard to reach parts use a dremel tool.

Step 3. Look over wheel to see where more wet sanding may be needed.

Step 4. This part is easy if you have gotten all deep scratches out and gone through the grits of sandpaper. Time to start polishing. Use a 4" buffing wheel on a air drill with polishing compound. The more you polish the deeper the shine!
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9673/10ht0.jpg

Here is a picture of the before (stripped wheel) and after.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8131/13cf3.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/my.php?image=13cf3.jp g)
Warning: This job is very difficult to do and requires alot of patience!

That looks pretty cool. One day I may consider doing this to my 17s.

[MaverickBertsch]

First of all this is not an easy thing to do but power tools sure make the job more encouraging.
Painted stock wheel:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4460/48962523ii 0.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=48962523 ii0.jpg)

Step 1. Use duct tape on inside of wheel so paint remover won't get on inside of wheel. Strip off all paint with paint remover and use a small wire brush to remove all paint.
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4084/34624921tq 8.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=34624921 tq8.jpg)http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4632/22 127666gf6.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=22127666 gf6.jpg)
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4888/11041314yq 0.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11041314 yq0.jpg)

At this point you know you are in for a tough job when you see that the aluminum has a textured surface. Great for paint to stick to a painted wheel.
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6613/16392436bd 9.jpg

Step 2. You will have to use a DA starting with 80 grit, then to 120 grit, to 220 grit, then start to wet sand 400 grit, to 600 grit, to 800 grit, to 1000 grit, to 1200 grit, 1500 grit and finish with 2000 grit. Wet sanding is easy. For the hard to reach parts use a dremel tool.

Step 3. Look over wheel to see where more wet sanding may be needed.

Step 4. This part is easy if you have gotten all deep scratches out and gone through the grits of sandpaper. Time to start polishing. Use a 4" buffing wheel on a air drill with polishing compound. The more you polish the deeper the shine!
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9673/10ht0.jpg

Here is a picture of the before (stripped wheel) and after.
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8131/13cf3.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/my.php?image=13cf3.jp g)
Warning: This job is very difficult to do and requires alot of patience!

I really like the warning. Hahaha

[Raymond]

I am posting this picture in case I change my sig and the thread won't have a picture. Never did get to see it on the Barbados but looks amazing on the Torrid Red.

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/7280/0000307editv e8.jpg (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0000307ed itve8.jpg)

This picture was taking right after driving in the rain to check for rubbing with the lowered springs. No clearcoat on wheels. I also painted the silver plastic lug caps black.

[kjhallex]

:thumbs: Great job Ray looks awesome!!! I know it was alot of work but it really looks like it paid off. I can't wait to finish mine.
Now post some more pics hahaha...

[KCGOAT]

Thanks for your input. Factory silver didn't show much dirt. Well, since the Barbados is gone (cry, cry) we get to see what it will look like on Torrid red with 1" drop in front and .8" drop in rear.

Wow - your project turned out fantastic. I am in the process of deciding on a suspension setup for my TR '05. What brand and setup did you go with to achieve that killer stance? Again, love the polished look with TR!

[Mikey340]

Noice!
In for on car pics!!!!
Mike

[REBinc]

Need more pictures!

[Raymond]

Sorry about the quality of pics but I'm using my company's camera.:sneaky:

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/343/0000005pz7. jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0000005p z7.jpg)

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7349/0000007vt3 .jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0000007v t3.jpg)

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/7662/0000008vy3.j pg (http://img71.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0000008vy 3.jpg)

[Jeffs06GTO]

looks very good! I may consider doing this!

[goats-r-us]

oh my gosh.. just painting my rims took forever. that ac remover is some nasty sh*t!!!! props to U op

[Derek98z]

Those turned out pretty good. Keep us up to date on how they are to maintain (how they look after a wash, how often they need a polish, etc). I like the idea of black lugnut caps. I might try that when I put my chrome ones back on after the winter.
What lowering springs do you have?

[maxcm96]

I love the look of the polished over the chrome. The polished rims without clear will tarnish in no time. I did the same thing to an aluminum framed revolver. Polish with flitz one day the next it is tarnished. Tried every type of wax and it still tarnished.

[REBinc]

Thanks for the pictures. I think I am going to send mine out to get polished. Should look awesome on Spice Red.

[aintmisbehavinn]

Excellent, should be a sticky..........

[ElCidAviator]

Just a little tip. I like to use a little "Blue Majic" when I wetsand. It has a very fine grit to it. I then use it with a rag after the 2000 grit. You will see the metal on the rag and it makes for a very smooth surface for the final polishing with any sort of alluminum or mag polish.

You can get the stuff at wal-mart. Comes in a little tube in the cleaning section. It works amazingly well trust me I have much experience with the stuff.

[Raymond]

Just a little tip. I like to use a little "Blue Majic" when I wetsand. It has a very fine grit to it. I then use it with a rag after the 2000 grit. You will see the metal on the rag and it makes for a very smooth surface for the final polishing with any sort of alluminum or mag polish.

You can get the stuff at wal-mart. Comes in a little tube in the cleaning section. It works amazingly well trust me I have much experience with the stuff.

I will try that. Sounds like it would make a difference. The brighter the shine the better! Since I have not clear coated it yet - I can always spend more time polishing. The polished look is so nice, I don't know if clear coating will make it look as nice? If the maintance is too great then I will have to clearcoat.

[torrid_nc]

So would it be worthwhile to go to the junk yard, get some random aluminum rim, and practice on it first?

[05ls7gto]

Nice work Raymond, they look great! And thanks for the great write-up!! :thumbs:

[apierce918]

wow those look great. i am contemplating doing this as well but i question my patience for this undertaking... apierce918, do you have any other insight as to any other tricks to cut down on total sanding/polishing time?

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/Buffbook.pdf

the money spent on getting some polishing stuff will pay for itself in the time you save over progressive sanding very quickly. nobody, and i mean nobody who polishes comething professionally sands progressively to get their shine.

Im not docking the OP work, it looks good, but i was in the same position with an old intake and after a few days with what seemes like minimal progress, i was shown the light and amazed

[Raymond]

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/Buffbook.pdf

the money spent on getting some polishing stuff will pay for itself in the time you save over progressive sanding very quickly. nobody, and i mean nobody who polishes comething professionally sands progressively to get their shine.

Im not docking the OP work, it looks good, but i was in the same position with an old intake and after a few days with what seemes like minimal progress, i was shown the light and amazed

I'm sure there are alot of different ways to get the final results - some could be easy and some harder. Besides a college degree I have also graduated from an auto body technical college. I do have many hours in the auto body repair business. I know what worked for me on these wheels. I have tried different compounds and they only start working after the texture is removed from the aluminum. Progressive wet sanding is super easy and fast after the texture has been removed. Biggest mistake is creating deep scratch marks from using too course of grit paper after texture is removed and you have to work hard on removing your own scratch marks. Power tools are your friend to save time then go to wet sanding. Progressive wet sanding goes fast to get to a smooth surface then to compound polishing. All professional auto body techs know you have to progressive sand before final finish. Compounding is considered final finish.

[kjhallex]

+ 1 on that Raymond. We use all casewell plateing materials at my work and we have yet to find something that will do all the work for us. You can still get it to shine up if you start buffing after you sand with like 400 grit but you will always see the 400 grit stratches. I think its well worth the little extra work to step it up to like 1500 grit its not hard at all after you get the pits out. The finer the grit the easier and quicker it polishes.

[sdimess84]

Saw these wheels in person. they are immaculate! Good job Ray!

[apierce918]

+ 1 on that Raymond. We use all casewell plateing materials at my work and we have yet to find something that will do all the work for us. You can still get it to shine up if you start buffing after you sand with like 400 grit but you will always see the 400 grit stratches. I think its well worth the little extra work to step it up to like 1500 grit its not hard at all after you get the pits out. The finer the grit the easier and quicker it polishes.

? no, you wont, there are abrasives aggressive enough in buffing compounds with the correct wheel to remove 400 grit scratches. i was just providing insight, if you wanna sand the whole damn thing, have at it. again, the wheels do look great

[adkunlimited]

I think mine turned out pretty good.

[kjhallex]

I think mine turned out pretty good.

Hey man I wasn't trying to bash on you or anything. Maybe we need to order some more compunds for work. The wheel looks sweet in that pic.

[adkunlimited]

thanks but i dont think you were bashing on me.

[redsscamaroboy]

Looks good and i like the 275's.

[adkunlimited]

thanks they came with the car when i got it. im not one for fancy rims but they do look good on her.

[bitecho]

Been thinking about polishing my 18's as well.... I done the ones on my Corvette about four years ago, bad job. I didn't clear coat them, but it dosen't take long to maintain the shine if you don't mind polishing alum. The only thing that I will do different is how I will strip the paint from the wheels. I have access to a media blast cabinet that uses a plastic media that is is simmular to sand, but will not harm aluminium. I tried to use chemical strip on a spare wheel for the Vette and fount that it pitted the wheel. I read that you painted the factory lug nut covers black, are you happy with the look or are going to find some chrome lugs later?

[kjhallex]

Been thinking about polishing my 18's as well.... I done the ones on my Corvette about four years ago, bad job. I didn't clear coat them, but it dosen't take long to maintain the shine if you don't mind polishing alum. The only thing that I will do different is how I will strip the paint from the wheels. I have access to a media blast cabinet that uses a plastic media that is is simmular to sand, but will not harm aluminium. I tried to use chemical strip on a spare wheel for the Vette and fount that it pitted the wheel. I read that you painted the factory lug nut covers black, are you happy with the look or are going to find some chrome lugs later?

I tried the media blasting at my work but we have the glass beeds and they are very fine. But it wouldn't even phase the thick a** paint on these wheels. Looks like the factory used a high build primer. But you may have better luck with the plastic media if its a little more course. It would also save some time.

[bitecho]

It didn't have any issues removing the coating from the wheels on the vette.... It has 110psi of air behind it, just took about an half an hour per wheel. We use it to remove paint from various components on mining equipment. I will let you know how it goes once I have the tires removed form the rims.

[kjhallex]

sweet let us know how it goes!

[Raymond]

Been thinking about polishing my 18's as well.... I done the ones on my Corvette about four years ago, bad job. I didn't clear coat them, but it dosen't take long to maintain the shine if you don't mind polishing alum. The only thing that I will do different is how I will strip the paint from the wheels. I have access to a media blast cabinet that uses a plastic media that is is simmular to sand, but will not harm aluminium. I tried to use chemical strip on a spare wheel for the Vette and fount that it pitted the wheel. I read that you painted the factory lug nut covers black, are you happy with the look or are going to find some chrome lugs later?

I can't wait to see kjhallex wheels - he is doing a couple things different and it will look great IMO. I painted the plastic lug covers black for how many times I have been taking the rear wheels off and on to get all the rubbing out because of the wheels being widen. I was thinking chrome lugs would surface rust just from tighten and loosen the lug nuts. There might be some real lug nuts that won't surface rust. The black is a good contrast with the center pontiac black and polished wheel. I do plan on keeping the factory lugs and plastic covers. Seems to be easy maintance. Please keep us posted on your project.

[purplenurple]

The polished 18s look great...
You guys doing this need to get Duragloss 105 or 501 (more potent) (Autogeek.net has it) It has done my polished CCWs good. Much easier to clean and maintain the polished surface. Just re-apply every 1-2 months

[kjhallex]

The polished 18s look great...
You guys doing this need to get Duragloss 105 or 501 (more potent) (Autogeek.net has it) It has done my polished CCWs good. Much easier to clean and maintain the polished surface. Just re-apply every 1-2 months

Thanks man! I will order that soon since I am not clear coating the wheels now. I know it must work very well for you to use it on ccw's. Your ride always looks sweet! I would rather have ccw's but this was a cheaper alternative lol.

[05TorchedGTO]

how much do u guys think it would cost to get all 4 of my wheels polished by a professional?

[kjhallex]

I think its around 200 per wheel. But I could be wrong.

[REBinc]

Yeah, $150 a wheel to polish, another $50 a wheel to clear coat is what I was quoted.

[kjhallex]

Yeah, $150 a wheel to polish, another $50 a wheel to clear coat is what I was quoted.

Plus shipping. If you have the time and tough hands lol go for it!! The finished product will take all your pain away.

[Raymond]

Plus shipping. If you have the time and tough hands lol go for it!! The finished product will take all your pain away.

Knowing the work involved - If i had to do it all over - I would pay someone to do it. Either way I would end up with polished wheels!

[Dwil]

Seeing these may just make me say "F" the whole aftermarket wheel search and just have someone do mine... requested a quote already from a place here in Jersey. I'll let ya's know.

[Raymond]

Seeing these may just make me say "F" the whole aftermarket wheel search and just have someone do mine... requested a quote already from a place here in Jersey. I'll let ya's know.

If you really like the factory 18's and could get them polished for $150.00 per wheel - that would be well worth it!. Just make sure that you hold him to that quote. I know if I ever polish another set - it would be alot more than $150.00 per wheel!

[Dwil]

If you really like the factory 18's and could get them polished for $150.00 per wheel - that would be well worth it!. Just make sure that you hold him to that quote. I know if I ever polish another set - it would be alot more than $150.00 per wheel!

here's the quote I got from usawheels.net located here in Jersey. They come highly recommended by a member here and I've seen their repair work:

to high polish the wheels with clearcoat runs approx. $195/wheel if not polished now, $165/wheel if wheel is polished. the process takes approx. 2 weeks for unpolished or 1 week if already polished

I'm still deciding between this or getting the 19" VZ R8s

[kjhallex]

If you really like the factory 18's and could get them polished for $150.00 per wheel - that would be well worth it!. Just make sure that you hold him to that quote. I know if I ever polish another set - it would be alot more than $150.00 per wheel!

+1 lol I would think it should be more like 250 per wheel lol

here's the quote I got from usawheels.net located here in Jersey. They come highly recommended by a member here and I've seen their repair work:

to high polish the wheels with clearcoat runs approx. $195/wheel if not polished now, $165/wheel if wheel is polished. the process takes approx. 2 weeks for unpolished or 1 week if already polished

I'm still deciding between this or getting the 19" VZ R8s

Go polished man!!! I love mine.

[Raymond]

here's the quote I got from usawheels.net located here in Jersey. They come highly recommended by a member here and I've seen their repair work:

to high polish the wheels with clearcoat runs approx. $195/wheel if not polished now, $165/wheel if wheel is polished. the process takes approx. 2 weeks for unpolished or 1 week if already polished

I'm still deciding between this or getting the 19" VZ R8s


That would be a tough decision - Love those 19" wheels - I was thinking that I know the wheels your talking about but post a picture?

[05TorchedGTO]

i have a question for you guys what do you think are the pros and cons of having these wheels clear coated compared to just putting a sealant or protectant on it? what sealant or protectant do u guys use if you didnt clear coat it?

[kjhallex]

i have a question for you guys what do you think are the pros and cons of having these wheels clear coated compared to just putting a sealant or protectant on it? what sealant or protectant do u guys use if you didnt clear coat it?

I would only clear coat them if you were 110 percent satisifed with the polishing job. I also talked to our painter at work and he said that when you clear coat them there is still a chance that it could tarnish under the clear. Then to fix it you would have to strip it again. So I am just useing a sealer on mine. I've had them on for a week now and they still look the same as when I put them on.

[josh99ta]

I got to check these out on Ray's car last week and between the drop and the polished and widened stock 18s it looks absolutely killer.

Ray, definitely check out that Duragloss 501. It'll make upkeep on them so easy after they get rained on. On my CCWs I just put a coat of Duragloss 501 on every month or two, and after every wash I topped them off with Optimum Car Wax (it's a spray wax and really nice on the wheels and car's paint too). You can get both at autogeek for pretty cheap and it'll keep them shining for a lot longer between polishes.

[Raymond]

I got to check these out on Ray's car last week and between the drop and the polished and widened stock 18s it looks absolutely killer.

Ray, definitely check out that Duragloss 501. It'll make upkeep on them so easy after they get rained on. On my CCWs I just put a coat of Duragloss 501 on every month or two, and after every wash I topped them off with Optimum Car Wax (it's a spray wax and really nice on the wheels and car's paint too). You can get both at autogeek for pretty cheap and it'll keep them shining for a lot longer between polishes.

Thanks Josh, I will order both through autogeek. Thanks for the compliment!

[05TorchedGTO]

i just dropped my 18s off today at USA wheels in NJ .. for 175 per wheel without the clear coat. i cant wait to get these bad boys on my goat. any more advice on keeping these looking good and how long should i wait to polish them? its not my daily driver and most likely wont be driven in the rain and definitely wont see salt in the winters

[kjhallex]

i just dropped my 18s off today at USA wheels in NJ .. for 175 per wheel without the clear coat. i cant wait to get these bad boys on my goat. any more advice on keeping these looking good and how long should i wait to polish them? its not my daily driver and most likely wont be driven in the rain and definitely wont see salt in the winters

Get you some Duragloss 501 like Josh said. It works great on mine, your going to love them. Post up pics when you get them!

[05TorchedGTO]

yea i defiantly will get the duragloss 501. how often do you polish them when you put the duragloss on? can u wait about a month till the duragloss wears off then polish and reapply?

[JayC'sG]

Thanks guys for the comments! If I would have known the work involved - I would have passed. But since I am commited to the project - It will be close to perfect when I get through. I will post pictures of the GTO when complete. I am also going with larger Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tires 245/40/18 and 275/35/18 that are waiting in the garage when wheels are ready. If the 275/35/18's don't look right on the stock 18's then I will send them off to Weldcraft for a 1" widen. I have been quoted $200.00 per wheel plus shipping.

Rims look awesome! I'd love to do that as well, but like others I do not have the patience! LOL. I had my wheels widened by Weldcraft, and have had zero issues. I run a 275/25/18 w/ a 1/4" spacer.

[kjhallex]

yea i defiantly will get the duragloss 501. how often do you polish them when you put the duragloss on? can u wait about a month till the duragloss wears off then polish and reapply?

A month give or take a little depending on how anal you are lol.

Rims look awesome! I'd love to do that as well, but like others I do not have the patience! LOL. I had my wheels widened by Weldcraft, and have had zero issues. I run a 275/25/18 w/ a 1/4" spacer.

How much did you have yours widened? Any pics?

[REBinc]

How much did you have yours widened? Any pics?
I believe it's 125-150 a rim just for the widening

[Raymond]

I believe it's 125-150 a rim just for the widening

I had mine widen by weldcraft after I polished the wheels. 1" widen to make it a 9" wheel. $200.00 per wheel. The 275/35/18s are perfect but you do have to massage the inner fenderwells a tad. But worth it so you can run without spacers and rolling the fender. You could do 1 1/2" but you will have to run a spacer and roll the fenders. A few pics:

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2990/0000290edi t.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0000290e dit.jpg)

This is with the 245/40/18 (top) and bottom is the widen with 275/35/18

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1930/0000292.jp g (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0000292. jpg)

This is a low resolution pic but you get the ideal on width.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/9256/widenwheel s.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=widenwhe els.jpg)

[04 RED GOAT]

great job i have to say on the polishing wheels, look really good bro.

[sdimess84]

I am going to be doing this to my factory 18s soon. I just need to get my supplies

[kjhallex]

I am going to be doing this to my factory 18s soon. I just need to get my supplies

Post up pics when you get done!!! And if you have any questions I will try to help, good luck.

[Dwil]

here's the quote I got from usawheels.net located here in Jersey. They come highly recommended by a member here and I've seen their repair work:

to high polish the wheels with clearcoat runs approx. $195/wheel if not polished now, $165/wheel if wheel is polished. the process takes approx. 2 weeks for unpolished or 1 week if already polished



ATTN: DO NOT USE USAWHEELS TO POLISH YOUR FACTORY 18s.
They did a half assed job on mine, litterally. The front faces look good from 10ft away, but up close you can tell they missed some spots. The faces are about 95%
They didn't even touch the back side of the wheels.
So now I have to put in a few hours on each wheel to get them right. So aggravated.

Also 05TorchedGTO wasn't happy with their work either.

[sdimess84]

Post up pics when you get done!!! And if you have any questions I will try to help, good luck.
I got one wheel nearly done. I really was unprepared for this job. I have been doing all this by hand/paint sticks. I think ray is going to give me hang getting the wheels cut down so I dont screw up with the DA.

[kjhallex]

I got one wheel nearly done. I really was unprepared for this job. I have been doing all this by hand/paint sticks. I think ray is going to give me hang getting the wheels cut down so I dont screw up with the DA.

Congrats! once you get one done the other 3 will be a little easier. I don't really think you could screw anything up with the DA. You just keep sanding untill all the imperfections are gone then start steping up to finer grits.

[Dwil]

What an ordeal this has been. They look pretty good, but still need work:
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u183/dwil_photo s/Wildwood%20Boardwalk%20Nats/IMG_2933.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u183/dwil_photo s/Wildwood%20Boardwalk%20Nats/IMG_2928.jpg
Edit: Tires are 245/40-18 Bridgestone RE050A Pole Positions

[kjhallex]

They look sweet on a BOM! great job.

[REBinc]

Those do look really good on BOM. Nice job.

[Melancholyvgs311]

Looks good :)
I'm definitely looking forward to doing some of my own when I find a GTO...

Anyone ever stop after 800grit and using polishing compounds thereafter? Back when I polished the lips on my GTA wheels, I did some research on the thirdgen.org board and there was always a dispute about which method was best. Sanding to superfine grits like 1500 or 2000 then polishing ....or sanding to +/- 800 grit and using compounds the rest of the way. I used the 800 + compounds method and was very pleased.. Pic (http://melancholyvgs311.org/bling.jpg)

[kjhallex]

Looks good :)
I'm definitely looking forward to doing some of my own when I find a GTO...

Anyone ever stop after 800grit and using polishing compounds thereafter? Back when I polished the lips on my GTA wheels, I did some research on the thirdgen.org board and there was always a dispute about which method was best. Sanding to superfine grits like 1500 or 2000 then polishing ....or sanding to +/- 800 grit and using compounds the rest of the way. I used the 800 + compounds method and was very pleased.. Pic (http://melancholyvgs311.org/bling.jpg)

I have found it easier to use higher grits like 1500 or 2000 also. It really cuts down the amount of time you have to polish.

[Dwil]

Thanks for the compliments guys.
Looks good :)
I'm definitely looking forward to doing some of my own when I find a GTO...

Anyone ever stop after 800grit and using polishing compounds thereafter? Back when I polished the lips on my GTA wheels, I did some research on the thirdgen.org board and there was always a dispute about which method was best. Sanding to superfine grits like 1500 or 2000 then polishing ....or sanding to +/- 800 grit and using compounds the rest of the way. I used the 800 + compounds method and was very pleased.. Pic (http://melancholyvgs311.org/bling.jpg)


First off, welcome aboard. I haven't tried the 800 + compound method, but I understand what you're saying. While doing my research I learned that there are different grades of Rouge and Tripoli polishing compounds that say they cut scratches from 1000 grit or 1200 grit, etc. etc. So in other words you can easily stop wet sanding at 1000 grit and switch to a Tripoli compound, then work your way through to the finest compound and finish with the billet polish.

[sdimess84]

Mine are almost done. I have one more wheel to polish. Alot damn work I might add. They are looking good though.

My advice I is use the higher grit sand paper. That seemed to work best for me.

[Melancholyvgs311]

Thanks for the compliments guys.


First off, welcome aboard. I haven't tried the 800 + compound method, but I understand what you're saying. While doing my research I learned that there are different grades of Rouge and Tripoli polishing compounds that say they cut scratches from 1000 grit or 1200 grit, etc. etc. So in other words you can easily stop wet sanding at 1000 grit and switch to a Tripoli compound, then work your way through to the finest compound and finish with the billet polish.

Thanks for the welcome. :) I hope I end up staying- so far it's proven to be a pain to find a 6 speed blue (mbm, ibm or cgm) car around this area. Everything is red, black, silver or +50k miles. I've already got VX lights, LSS and !CAGS... trying to resist buying more parts and I don't even have a car yet... :D

Anyway, when I did my GTA wheels, and it's been a few years, I think I stopped wet sanding at 800, used brown and black polishing compound oh a wheel, and then finished it off with a product called White Diamond, which.. I think, is a liquid concentrated form of white rouge+other stuff. It works extremely well.

[Raymond]

What an ordeal this has been. They look pretty good, but still need work:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u183/dwil_photo s/Wildwood%20Boardwalk%20Nats/IMG_2928.jpg
Edit: Tires are 245/40-18 Bridgestone RE050A Pole Positions

Looks great! It is alot of work but it really has a killer look! Congrats!

[sdimess84]

Just got mine finished last week. Like it has been said, a lot of work, but look great once finished. Mine still need some detail work done, but you cant tell.

enjoy...

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c14/emarschang/2 009%20GTO%20Dragon/ErikGTO.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c14/emarschang/2 009%20GTO%20Dragon/IMG_0791.jpg

[Raymond]

Just got mine finished last week. Like it has been said, a lot of work, but look great once finished. Mine still need some detail work done, but you cant tell.

enjoy...

Nice wheels! Lol

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7132/img0791rev s.png (http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0791r evs.png)

[sdimess84]

haha, that is correct

[CateraGTC]

I wonder if it will look better if you just polish the rim face or the parts between the spokes... and then clear coat them.?

[sdimess84]

there is a holden wheel similar to that. the front (face) of the wheel is silver/polished and the everything else is black.

I think this is it

[Dwil]

new pic bump
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u183/dwil_photo s/Blazen%20Orange/IMG_3218.jpg

[sdimess84]

Very nice! Mine are over due for some buffing/polishing

[Diablo SS]

This Should Be Stickied!

[Raymond]

Well it's been a year so I thought I would give a year follow up on how the polished 18's have done. Pleased to say that they have done well. I do a quick polish every month and a good polish with the buffer every 3 months. I also live in Tennessee where the weather is not that bad so I don't see much salt on the roads. Never did clearcoat. I don't think clearcoat will stick to a finsh that smooth. The response has been great and I have been approximately 16,000 miles. I do drive the car daily but it stays in the garage at nights and on weekends. I think kjhallex or REBinc suggested on painting the inside of the wheel black. I did it and it really makes the polished surface stand out. I also have bought a spare 18 and polished it as well for a back up. Again, Thanks for the positive feedback and the hard work was worth it!

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/792/1007536edit .jpg (http://img186.imageshack.us/i/1007536edit.jpg/)

[KCGOAT]

Hey Ray - wow, these still look great! I like the look with the inside of the wheel painted black as well. I guess this will be my winter project:)