Would it be relatively easy/inexpensive to remove the paint from the painted 17's on the gt stock wheels and polish them? I like the 18's polished, but I think I want 17s.

 

you could remove the paint...but here is the problem i am not sure if the whole wheel is clearcoated or not...if it is you would have to strip the whole wheel...the best way would be with aircraft paint remover...but another question which i am unsure of is if will pit or damage the material of the wheel..these are answers i would find out before i start..

 

Go to the yellow pages and look up "Motorcycle Customizers"....I took my YZF and had the frame polished....they buffed the frame and clearcoated it....Looked like liquid sex....I kept it for a couple of more years and it didn't fade very much. They can probably (and have done) automotive wheels too.


Jay

 

One of the salesman @ Columbia Ford here in Longview, stripped and poilished his bullitts. Not sure if he clear coated them afterwards, but I imagine he would have. He told me that he used a dremel tool for the polishing.....

 

how much did it cost you?

 

All wheel shops will do this, the paint comes off w/chemicals then they just polish the surface.

You can even leave them raw aluminum (the FRPP wheels are this way, according to a tech I spoke w/on the phone) and just keep them treated w/mothers polish or something.

 

Any idea on the costs?

 

We have no idea....you will have to look locally...It varies by area...


Jay

 

it is easy as pie to remove the paint with the paint remover . take a paint brush smear it all over the wheel and let it sit for a hour the paint and clear coat will bubble up..then scrub it off ..you may need to do this a second time...if all the paint did not come off.. then wipe down with thinner or something to clean the meatal of the chemical...then polish...

 

Using paint remover is a pretty toxic and messy job. I learned that the hard way from stripping various body panels. You would have a lot of fun getting the wheels cleaned in every nook and cranny.

Just a note, the entire wheel is clearcoated.

Your best, quickest and safest bet is pay someone else to strip them. There are usually shops in larger cities that do chemical stripping. Your wheels would probably be done quickly and you could swing a "cash" deal.

If you feel up to polishing them yourself, that is up to you, but I personally suggest that they get clearcoated after with a good 2-part clearcoat, not the rattle-can stuff.

 

yes i agree it can get pretty messy...also if you get that stuff on your hands it burns a bit..as far as cleaning whats left i dont think it would be that bad...but it might take some time..

 

There's a guy from California that will sell you factory wheels that have had the paint stripped, tripple chrome plated and then clearcoated. They include the centercap and valves.

He charges $500 for a set of 4 plus a $400 core deposit for your old rims. The new rims come withWhen you receive his rims, just replace the tires and snd him back your rims. You will have to pay for shiping both ways (charges range between $120-$196) depending on where you live.

In my case, it would be cheaper to buy a set of 17" chrome bullits locally and just sell mine.

Here's the link for the ebay sale:

 

it seems like a good deal but you know what they say if it sound to good to be true it probaly is....but on the other hand he has great feedback

 

I don't think I would want 'chrome wheels' that have been clearcoated. Clearcoating of polished or machined wheels is great, and needed..........but not clearcoat over chrome.

 

Wish I could afford to buy the fanblades and have them polished!

 

Hey everyone,

Its been a while since I posted. But, I may have something to add to the conversation. A friend of mine owns Zoops and they have a product called Zoop Seal and it is designed to put a protective coating on bare metal like aluminum. It is designed to last 2 to 3 years. I put it on my Harley and it works great. Just ask for Shelley. If she asks tell her Dave sent you.

There web site is www.zoops.com