Restoring Alloy Wheels

[daxter]

Ok so I bought thes GTT wheels for $52, they were in very bad shape, deep curbing, stains that couldn't be washed off.

I got thinking and decided they weren't worth paying someone to fix them up and decided ill do it my self, since this is DIY forum

As you can see they were in very bad shape, all the rims had bad curbing.

Step 1

Wash the hell out of the wheels

Step 2

Buy supplies while the wheels dry

Step 3

Start sanding, and sanding and sanding…

Step 4

Once all the rims are sanded, fill in all the imperfections

Step 5

Buy your choice of Dupli-Color wheel paint

step 5

Once filler is dry there is more sanding to get a nice flat and clean finish

Step 6

Clean the mags like hell to remove all the dust, then mask up and start spraying with primer

Step 7

Enjoy the new refurbished wheels sitting in primer

Step 8

Paint wheels and clear coat

before

after

Wheels on the car

[SABBAi]

Nice work mate. They turned out great.

[mad082]

yeah nice work mate. will be interesting to see how well the bog lasts

[R34 -_-]

Your rear quarter panel, rear bumper and tail light surround are 3 different shades of siliver

[R34 -_-]

Your rear quarter panel, rear bumper and tail light surround are 3 different shades of silver

[proRB88]

yeah nice work mate. will be interesting to see how well the bog lasts

I got R32 GTS-T wheels what i used to get passed Rego, I'm also curious how long the bog will last?

FREAKIN AWESOME result, i love it when people try things themselves and the result is stunning, congratulations once again!!!!

Vlad

[Kichy]

Cool as! I love the finished product, that was very well done mate.

I lack the knowledge on this subject, so can you please specify what the "supplies" were?

Also, my workmate next to me (yes, I am at work with nothing to do) suggested you may use playing cards around the rims instead of wrapping up the rubber like you did. This would mean less work for you and would prevent you from spraying paint on to the floor.

I still prefer the way you did it though.

Thanks for the thread, it'll come in handy, no doubt.

Edited March 18, 2010 by Kichy

[mad082]

the supplies you would need would be:

bog (aka body filler)

sand paper

making tape and old newspapers

wax and grease remover or prepsol (same shit)

primer - if the paint requires it (and if you are painting the centre caps, you should also use plastic primer)

paint

clear

[daxter]

oops missed out the step where you primer the wheels

[Modified original post with these pics - PranK]

Cool as! I love the finished product, that was very well done mate.

I lack the knowledge on this subject, so can you please specify what the "supplies" were?

Also, my workmate next to me (yes, I am at work with nothing to do) suggested you may use playing cards around the rims instead of wrapping up the rubber like you did. This would mean less work for you and would prevent you from spraying paint on to the floor.

I still prefer the way you did it though.

Thanks for the thread, it'll come in handy, no doubt.

From what I can remember you will need

Face mask and goggles

Cheap body filler aka bog

80/240/800 grit sand paper

primer, make sure it's a heavy one designed to fill in gaps

Dupli wheel paint - your choice of colour

Dupli wheel paint - clear coat, this is optional

Keep in mind I have little to no experience in sanding, using body filler, spray painting and still ended up with this finish, so I'd say anyone can do it.

Edited July 6, 2011 by PranK

[mad082]

you should also wipe the wheels down with wax and grease remover (also called prepsol) then wipe it off with a second rag before you prime them.

[heapsgood]

Real good results!

Assuming using the bog on the wheels is the same concept as using wood putty, then sanding it off for a smooth finish?

Then sanding it off for a smooth finish?

Also what colour did you use? Looks amazing!

[jjskyline79]

I done the same thing to my wheels a few years ago

the bog will last if its done right and you use the right stuff and its so easy and cheap to do anyway it dont really matter

The only thing i did different was i put a few layers of laquer over the top just to protect it a bit more

[Daz305]

wish i could find some r34 gtt wheels for $52 to try this with..

[R31sRgr8]

Thanks man, will try this.

[PranK]

Nice job, they look great (I know this is an old thread but I had to give credit where its due.)

[Got a Pulsar]

I recently bought some R32 GTS-T rims which needed a bit of TLC.

One in particular had a nastyish chunk in the outside lip Approx 15mm wide and 3-4mm deep.

Bought some "Selleys Steel Knead-It" and filled it up, sanded and painted them.

I can't remember which rim was damaged now cause they all ended up looking the same.

I wanted a Bronze colour but couldn't find one so I got a Copper colour and did a light mist of black over the top.

I think they came up pretty damn nice indeed.

[GoHard]

So considering its been like... 1 and a half years, do we know if the bog went the distance?

[adamskill]

So considering its been like... 1 and a half years, do we know if the bog went the distance?

mate even if the bog didnt last a year and a half,its the perfect job to do on ya day off with a few beers. its not hard in any way, and hey, while ya at it, you could change the colour too!!

[mickey]

what I am wondering is what about the balancing of the rim? and if you had new tyres fitted and balanced wouldn't those weights not go on or chip off the bog if the guy tried to place weights in damaged locations?

[Bl4cK32]

just get the tyre shop to use mag wheel weights, the kind that stick on the inside of the rims