Hi all !! I picked up a set of 15" x 7" aluminum rims from a 78(?) Cordoba that I intend to use on my 1974 Satellite. Tha aluminum is kinda dirty but can be cleaned up. However, the factory clear coat is starting to peel in areas .... What can I do to remedy this ? Thanks- Dave

I have the same problem. I plan on sandblasting them and putting clearcoat back on.

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Excuse me, does this smell like chloroform to you?

Careful sandblasting -- it'll put a rough finish on the wheels and they'll never have that smooth-surface, as-cast appearance again. If you want to finish removing the peeling clear coat without blasting, remove the clear coat chemically, then remove the oxidation from the peeled areas with aluminum cleaner, then clean up the wheels altogether and polish them to whatever extent you want, then put a good quality clear coat on them.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

the only way I know to "fix" that is to "bead" blast it all off.
"sand" blast is to harsh on anything but steel.

good luck
TopHat

My R-body and Mirada aluminum wheels were both bare aluminum from the factory. If someone clear coated yours I'd go after them with paint stripper as Dan suggested. Any kind of blasting other than possibly soda blasting will change the metal finish.

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Joshua

I am aware the sand will frost or matte the finish, just dont want to put too much labor into them.

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Excuse me, does this smell like chloroform to you?

Josh, so you have Mirada wheels also and yours are not cleat coated ?? very interesting...... Will paint stripper do any damage to the aluminum ?? How often do you have to clean your wheels ?? thanks Dave

Had some, they went with my '66 Dart when I sold it. Cleaning wasn't too bad really. I usually used Castrol Super Clean and rinsed well. The '66 was my road race car and the front wheels would get really dirty with brake dust. If you cleaned them before they sat out in the weather they were easy to clean. Even if they got rained on and sat dirty it wasn't horrible by any means.

Good paint stripper is still your best bet. I know it's work, but you don't get something for nothing. The aluminum will be fine.

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Joshua