1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

rims oxidized to black

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Old 10-24-08, 12:06 PM
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rims oxidized to black

portions of my OEM rims are oxidized black, and clear coat almost all gone. I bought the car that way.

Would a wire brush attached to a drill work on the black part? Or would a mag polishing ball on a drill with polishing compound remove the oxidized metal?

Or should I just give up, and paint them high gloss black?
Old 10-24-08, 12:59 PM
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If they are that bad, find a better set of used ones or paint/powdercoat them.
Old 10-24-08, 02:30 PM
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Boater friend of mine recommended this (I've never tried it on rims)

Nautical Ease Aluminum Cleaner

The ideal product for removing algae from pontoon tubes and brightening dark oxidized NON-PAINTED aluminum.

Bottom halves of pontoon tubes that are left in the water become encrusted with calcium and other minerals. The proper mix of detergents and acids are necessary to remove the algae and also to eliminate the oxidized look of the upper half of the tubes that can range from the gray look to almostblack.
To Use:Adjust nozzle on trigger sprayer to aneven mist spray and starting from the BOTTOM up toward the top, coa taluminum with an even mist. As the product starts to run down respray any areas not covered. This is necessary to avoid streaking. The aluminum cleaner will start to foam in a matter of seconds and stop within several minutes. No scrubbing necessary on plain oxidized aluminum but for algae removalbrushing may be necessary, especially if more than one application isnecessary.
Old 10-24-08, 03:54 PM
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sounds like good stuff, where do you get is?
Old 10-24-08, 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by DivinDriver
Boater friend of mine recommended this (I've never tried it on rims)
You want to make sure to get the clearcoat off first. Have them media blasted and either painted or powdercoatd as suggested. Even if you have to pay someone to media blast them, you'll save a lot of time.
Old 10-24-08, 09:56 PM
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Re media blasting-
try SODA blasting first with one rim - its the most gentle. harder media will take the aluminum down to a dull, flat finish, which must then be laboriously polished back up. Regardless, will require a re-buff, but no point in making more work for yourself.
A lot of engine rebuild shops have the soda blaster booths...
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska




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