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Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Yahoo Message Number: 64992
I contacted Accuride to find out if my wheels were coated so I would not screw them up. Our wheels have a part # 28615 AIP stamped next to Accuride. Their answer was they are not coated. Two ways they say you can tell is a sticker next to the valve stem or a "C" after the part # (28615 AIP C would be coated). They also recommended polishing products at http://www.buschshineproducts.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=33_51
I hope this helps someone else that has wheels that look as bad as ours.

Doug Sherar

07 Allure 470 #31453

Re: Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65010
My (uncoated) wheels looked pretty rough, and I had one of those Mother's Buffing balls on hand. I did not have any "proper" wheel polish, but did have some Turtle Wax Cleaner Wax, so used that. Boy, do they look great. I used a rechargeable drill, and it took a charge per wheel to get finished. Took three passes, so I was not "cutting" the aluminum too fast. They still look very nice three months later. Future polishes should take very little time.
Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue 11527

Re: Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65012
I found a place up here in the Seattle Area http://wtwpolishing.com that polishes wheels and sell them through Ebay (that is how I found him in my back yard).
I think he polishes wheels too. He has quite the inventory of used aluminum truck wheels that are checked out for integrity and trueness before he sells them. Ordered two accuride rims part # 28615 polished on the inside for $190/piece. I picked up some new steel inside rims for $90/piece and will be taking them down to Bob Dickman's Les Schwab in two weeks to have new Michelin XDS or XDN2 winter tires mounted on them. Keeping the highway tires on the existing rims for the summer.

Dallas

2004 intrigue ovation 11688

Re: Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65391
Doug,

If you are ever in San Diego I have a guy that polished my rims to shine as if they were chrome. Alberto lives in Ensenada, but works in San Diego.
He charges 25 dollars a wheel. It takes him about 40 minutes per wheel with results that are amazing. He has not done many motorhomes, because his biggest business is polishing gas tanks, steps, and wheels on eighteen wheeler trucks.

Stan 51406 Inspire

Re: Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65519
I used a Mother's "power ball" bought at Auto Zone, my variable speed cordless drill, and Turtle Wax cleaner/wax (very mild abrasive). Took about one charge on my cordless drill per wheel, amazing shine. Also, there is the wax that helps protect from further corrosion damage. Now the wheels look great with a simple wash and dry. Driver's side wheels took three passes to get the way I wanted them - maybe it was parked on the beach at some point with that side to the surf, or road grime, or whatever. Keep at it, and it will work great for little money, and not much time as these things go.
I suppose a rubbing compound could be used on badly pitted wheels, but I elected for the mildest abrasion I could find.
Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue 11527

Re: Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65523
I agree! I have been using Flitz for years. I did my wheels a year ago and they still shine after each wash. In addition to polishing the wheels, I used it to buff out the small scratches in my "Coach Armor" acrylic shield. I rubbed it on the surface then, I used a 7" buffing wheel. I also used it to brighten my headlamps and all chrome and stainless. The instructions say it can also be used on painted surfaces.
On the wheels I used the small buffing ball that Flitz sells. I have not yet tried the foam ball the "Mothers" makes. Flitz recommends using a 1/4" electric corded dirill rather than 3/8"cordless as the 1/4" usually operates at a higher RPM. This works better and faster.
I bought a quart can a three years ago and it is still a soft paste. It never hardens in the can.

Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure, 30226

Re: Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65531
I have heard nothing but good things about that stuff. I did not have any, but would have used it if I did.
Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue 11527

Re: Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65538
Mike, Jack, Daron,

The question was what did the man I hired use to polish my wheels. I did not observe any brand names, but he used a liquid out of a plastic bottle, and two solid bar of different color. This was applied by a cloth like disc attached to an electric drill. I saw him first wipe the rims with a moist cloth, then removed all the little lug nuts, in order to polish wheelnuts and the wheel correctly. I am sorry, I did not stand and watch him, since he came with such high recommendation from two trucker supply business in San Diego. I worked on the cabinets inside, while he continuously worked for about 3 hours and 30 min. All I can say is the results were beyond my expectations. He suggested I use some kind of protective wax, and they will remain looking like chrome for over a year.

I took the lazy mans way of polishing my wheels. I am not that old but I cannot stay sitting or kneeling as long as it takes to do my self. If you have a protective wax to recommend, please let me know.

Thank You

Stan Inspire 51406, San Diego

Re: Polishing Accuride Aluminum Wheels

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 65539
Seems like any good auto wax should do the trick. The stuff I used (Turtle Wax/Polish) had wax in it.
Sounds like your guy used polishing compound to do your wheels, and I bet they do look great - Google metal polishing compounds and you will get more info than you want.
I took the easy, cheap way, and they look great. It helps they are quality wheels with a smooth finish in the first place - takes very little to knock off corrosion and smooth any pits.
Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue, 11527