I figured I'd make a thread with all the tips and how-to's that I've found to be helpful as I'm refinishing my wheels. These tips apply to all aluminum wheels, minus the ones about assembly.

I didn't write a step by step procedure for my wheels, but I will be able to tell you what does and doesn't work to try and save you some time.

Here are some how-to's to get started:

• Rebuilding BBS RS/RM
• BBS RS Rebuild DIY
• Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
• Polishing Lips DIY

I know some of the assembly links are about specific wheels but it's pretty much the same for all 3 piece wheels. And as for polishing, the steps are the same for any aluminum part. I will be posting videos on disassembly, cleaning and painting later today as well as a list of tools and products so check back.

 

 

Extremely helpful. I cant wait to start on my wheels here soon. Any words of advice Jon?

 

^^Did you get new wheels?

 

Yezzir. Legit wheels this time. I hope at least haha

 

O dam! Cant wait to see what you have in store for us. Let me guess, bbs? (from your sig. lol)

 

Haha thanks man. Yeah It'll be a little while, maybe a month or so to get them on cause I'm poor and adapters and powdercoating arent cheap

 

Save, save, save! Will be worth it in the end.

Anyways... back on topic! Tips for refinishing aluminum wheels.

 

I forgot about this thread. Hopefully I still have the links to the videos.

The best advice is to take your time. And use sealant between the pieces. One of the tutorials said you didn't have to, but I ended up getting leaks on 3 of my wheels. So now they have to be redone.

 

Even a two piece wheel?

 

I would to be on the safe side. The silicone you use should be non-shrinking/expanding so it won't hurt. When you take the lip off, if there's a bead going around each side of the holes then definitely replace it with fresh silicone.

 

Can I paint my bolts? Or am I better off getting them plated or just buying new? Or should I polish them? I guess I'm mostly asking which is cheapest but still looks good.

 

Paint won't last long. I'd try anodizing/plating them. You could replace them, but it might be more expensive. For example a set of bolts for my wheels (140) would run $560.

 

You could get non-OEM bolts as well. BFI sells them for $1.20 a bolt: http://yhst-1918367471896.stores.yah...rsnuandbo.html

 

Yeah I priced out bolts and it came to $160. But I might just individually polish each one.

 

Any tips for more of a matte finish? Not a full polish, but just a clean metal look, I guess more like a machined finish? Im guessing itd be about the same steps, maybe just minus the super fine grit/polishing.

 

any idea what kind of solution will take paint of rims? i want the rim to be just aluminum?

 

See the link from the OP. Aircraft stripper works well to eat away any coating, and skin for that matter be careful with it.



I found a nice polish kit from a company that sells a lot of restoration tools.

http://www.eastwood.com/


http://blog.eastwood.com/eastwood-pr...l_buffing_diy/

 

whats wrong with my BBS LM resto tread? lol not good enough?

 

More than one way to skin a cat