2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

86 GXL Stock mag wheel refinishing job.

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Old Jan 2, 2005 | 09:05 PM
  #1  
icarus179's Avatar
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From: Texas
86 GXL Stock mag wheel refinishing job.


I saw a post on this site a few weeks ago and decieded to try it. I had a cheap 1/4 sheet powered sander that I got at K-mart for $20 and the white muslin buffing wheels for a drill that comes with the compound from Sears for $9.99 and it took all day to do 2 of them. I have the before and after pics.
I would suggest that you do 2 on the drivers side then the other 2 on the passenger side the next day so you dont look too silly driving around with one great looking mag wheel. LOL!

I thought it took forever with the first sanding with 100 grit to finally see the pitting start to disappear. But when I finally got to the 1000 grit sandpaper and the buffing wheel WOW! they really shine!
I wont even think of buying new wheels now. Even if it is a 2 day job its worth it in the long run.
Attached Thumbnails 86 GXL Stock mag wheel refinishing job.-before.jpg   86 GXL Stock mag wheel refinishing job.-after.jpg  
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Old Jan 2, 2005 | 09:47 PM
  #2  
IaMtHeRuThLeSs1's Avatar
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From: Greenville, SC & Atlanta, GA & Clovis, NM
very nice job...so glad you didnt paint them flat black.
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Old Jan 2, 2005 | 11:21 PM
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Nice. That looks real nice.. Great Job!!
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Old Jan 2, 2005 | 11:27 PM
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trochoid's Avatar
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From: St Joe MO
Clearcoat or several coats of wax will keep them lookling good.
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Old Jan 3, 2005 | 02:05 AM
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If you go over them with never dull it will get a lot of dirt out of the deep pores of the metal and the look real nice I got the same wheels on mine maybe i will try it
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Old Jan 3, 2005 | 04:08 AM
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From: Chico, CA
that does look pretty clean. i have the same rims but im thinking i might stick the s5 vert bbs or the s5 gxl rims on mine. i'll have to try that just for the heck of it.
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Old Jan 3, 2005 | 12:19 PM
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From: Irvine Ca.
You should ook into metal finishers in your area. They can put a mirror finish on for about $40 per wheel and it won't take all day. I am not sure what area you live in Texas but all the towns with 40k plus population will have a chrome dipping service. The first step to chrome is polish=they know how to/where to send you to have your wheels polished. There are some services that can polish while the wheel is still mounted. Here in SoCal there is a place called MagMasters in Santa Ana the does this.

2nd The polish will only last so long before oxidation dulls the finish. You can re-buff every 4 weeks or you can put a clear coat on top. The clear coat will either give a yellow look or a cloudy look but you won't have to polish. You have to decide which is the lesser of the two evils.
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Old Jan 3, 2005 | 12:32 PM
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RX7FROMCAL's Avatar
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From: CALIFORNIA
Nice Job , But If It Was Me I **** Cans Thoses Rims And SaVE For Some Ones Ya Really Like!!!! But Ya Did A Good Job On The Shine, Looks Good.
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