How-To : Refurbish and paint your stock GT wheels, The Jdog way (pic warning) Options

[Jdog1385]

Note: This how-to and its associated photos are now located at this url:

http://www.6gc.net/howto/refurbish_and_paint_wheels

-Christian Coomer, Administrator

Aight here we go;

I recommend you refurbish your wheels with the tires REMOVED. This is how I did it and how this do-it-yourself is written up. Im not responsible for any ignorance on your part, .

WHAT YOU NEED

1 - NORTON 3X 320 Ultra Fine Grit Contour Sanding Sponge. $1.50 (2 pack)

2 - NORTON 3X 150 Fine Grit Contour Sanding Sponge. $1.50 (2 pack)



3 - NORTON Multi-Sand Medium Grit Sanding Sponge. $2.00 (1)


4 - Wood/Metal files. I highley recommend These: WORKFORCE 10 Piece File Set. $10.00
(you will need most of them).


5 - Dupli-Color WHEEL COATING. (white HWP100, silver HWP101, gunmetal HWP102, satin black HWP104, bronze HWP105) $5.99 (need at least 3 cans) = $18.00

6 - Dupli-Color WHEEL COATING CLEAR COAT (HWP103) $5.99 (need 2 cans) = $12.00

7 - ZEP BIG ORANGE INDUSTRIAL CLEANER. or any other cleaner you have. $5.00

Total spent on items $50.00. This is all that you will need. Everything but the paint you can buy at HOME DEPOT. You can buy the paint at PEP BOYS or any auto store.

REFURBISHING YOUR WHEELS

Step 1 - Using the metal files.

The first file you will use is the roughest out of the bunch. The one that looks like it will do the most damage. This file is used to remove the deep gashes and scratches on the lip of the wheels. Take nice, easy strokes over the gashes but dont give it to much muscle...let the file do the work. You also dont want to go too deep into the metal (you only want to remove the gash not the entire lip). This file will create scratches and you will feel like its not working but dont get nervous. After you have removed the gashes put that file away b/c you will not need it anymore.



The next step is using the finer files to remove the scratches created by the rough file. Use these files the same way you used the other one but with a little more muscle. Go evenly over the surface making sure you keep the curve constant on the lip of the wheel (you dont want to lose the continuity of the lip). You will get the rough scratches out with these files but there will still be scratches...this is where the sanding comes into play.
[img] i need to get pics for you, sorry[img]

Step 2 - Sanding the Wheels

The final steps of refurbishing the wheels deals with sanding. This is where you will se remarkable changes. Start sanding the area with the NORTON Multi-sand medium grit sanding sponge. This sponge will get the coarse scratches out created by the files. Next use the 150 grit Norton 3X pad to get the area smooth. This will make the surface shiney and smooth. Finally use the 320 Grit Norton 3X pad. This pad will do the most damage in restoring the wheel to almost perfect shape. This will remove all of the sanding swirls and marks. Your arm should be killing you after using this pad, if not, you havent sanded enough. If you still have minor scratches, keep repeating the sanding process until you get them out. Its annoying but its worth it.




If you still see scratches, unfortunately you have to file again. I had to do this process a couple of times because i was conservative with the files...you've learned from my mistake.

PAINTING YOUR STOCK WHEELS

Step 1 - Preping the Wheels

This is the most important process in painting your wheels. The more time you take, the better the results. First, you must buff the entire wheel. Use the 150 and 320 grit Norton Sponges you used earlier. These sponges will remove the clear coat and some of the paint. Do not skip over this process because you will regret it.

Step 2 - Cleaning

Use ZEP Big Orange industrial cleaner or any industrial cleaner you may have lying around the house. You will need to remove the sanding dust and brake dust on the inside of the wheel. Use a brush to get the dust/rust buildup off on the inside of the wheel. Make sure all loose material is off the wheels.

Step 3 - Applying the paint

Angle the wheel so that it is not parallel to the ground. This makes it easier to paint the wheel evenly. Apply 2-3 coats evenly over the wheel (not one thick coat). After you've painted the front of the wheels, turn them over and apply to the back (give it about 1-2 hours before you do this). Apply about 2 coats to the back of the wheel to cover the rust and hardened dirt.

Step 4 - Applying the clear coat

Apply the clear coat about 1-2 hours after you've applied the paint (see can for details). Spray the clear coat evenly over the wheel. The paint will look cloudy while you are applying but it is not a problem because it will dry clear. I used 2 thin coats because i wanted a satin look but its totally up to you. I recommend no less than 2 coats because the clear will protect the paint on your wheels.

Thats it, your done! Now buy some sticky tires and get those wheels mounted and balanced. I painted the weights on the wheels after the tires were balanced...it looks so much better.

showing off;






If you live close to me or if you'd like to ship me your wheels, ill refurbish and paint them for you at a low price.

This post has been edited by Jdog1385: Jan 11, 2009 - 12:42 AM