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Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights

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  • #1

    Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights

    I don't think there is but thought I'd give a shout out to you guys; I have stock brushed alum wheels where on each wheel there is severe oxidation or whatever surrounding the area where the lead weight was installed. (now i know to have the weights installed on the inside of the wheel).

    is anyone aware if this condition is treatable? or would it take a complete refinishing of the wheel?

    thanks!
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  • #2
    Re: Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights

    we need to see a pic.
    But if you say they are brushed then you really can't fix it by polishing because then you'd have a polished spot.

    DetailingByM.com

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    • #3
      Re: Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights


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      • #4
        Re: Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights

        Don't ya just love salt?!?

        I've had to fight the same thing with the wheel weights. A trick I found is after you get the 'bubbles and crud' removed is not to use too fine of a sandpaper. Instead of doing what we all do, use the finest grade of paper, go the other way. You want to try and mimic the original finish.

        On a Subaru, I tried 800 (still too polished looking) dropped all the way to 320 and it looked pretty good. Then I 'spray canned' on a clear.

        Does it look like original? No, but a LOT better than having several super shiny spots glaring at me.

        Also, instead clamp-on weights, have 'your tire guy' use the stick on type. Tad more (couple of bucks per tire) but that does work.

        Good luck...

        Bill

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        • #5
          Re: Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights

          thanks Bill! great idea with the weights - definitely will do that. now, you said -"after you get the bubbles and crud removed..."...how did you accomlish that?

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          • #6
            You have clear coated aluminum.
            So you can strip all the cc off and polish but that's a ton of work.
            The other thing is to go to a junk yard and get a new one. These are very poplar rims so they shouldn't be expressive.

            DetailingByM.com

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            • #7
              Re: Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights

              If it were me, I'd plasti dip those wheels, it's cheap. just my 2 cents
              "STRIFE" aka Phil
              2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe (IP/ aka White) the Toy
              2011 Subaru Impreza (SWP/ aka White) the DD
              2017 Subaru Forester (CWP/ aka White) Wifey's

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              • #8
                Re: Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights

                Originally posted by HoweMan View Post
                thanks Bill! great idea with the weights - definitely will do that. now, you said -"after you get the bubbles and crud removed..."...how did you accomlish that?
                I just gently as possible 'scrape' the big pieces of using a popsicle stick and in really crusty spots use a small screwdriver. Everything has to be done with a soft touch (ya don't wanna make big hurking scrtches). Then using 1000/1500 sand the affected area(s). Try to feather into the existing clear best you can.

                Now (to me) comes the tricky part, sanding the aluminum with the more course papers without hitting the clear. I'll be real honest, this is not a quick operation.

                Hopefully when you 'shoot' the clear, the existing clear (they will have sanding marks), will blend in. In other words, the new clear will fill just enough to make the transition (AL to clear) pretty invisible. The factory is ridiculously HARD! Feels (and works) more like a plastic than a 'paint.'

                At one time (prior to 2004 or so), GM had a wheel paint for refinishing alloy wheels, best I can remember it was called "Argent." I looked in my latest shop manuals (2004) and that is when the say, "...we no longer recommend refinishing wheels. New wheels should be purchased." But maybe, just maybe your local GM dealer may have some or know where to acquire some.

                Side bar: Why in the hell did I sell all those old manuals when I retired and moved? Dumb!

                I don't know what the market is like in your area for 'junk' alloy wheels, but here (Southern MN), what is in the yards is JUNK. Of course the other way to go is to have 'winter wheels', but then you go thru the hassle of having tires removed and replaced every year.

                Just remember, short of a total refinish job, the wheels won't look totally new. Just better than what they do now. By removing the ugly spots now, it insures (hopefully) that area will no longer grow next winter

                Good luck...

                Bill

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                • #9
                  Re: Alumimum wheels ruined by the lead counter weights

                  Depending on how much they are worth to you, a wheel resto shop would make them like new for about $150 each.

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