Refinishing halibrands

[Cobrafan1]

So I just bought a set of NOS Halibrand cobra II wheels. Gold centers. Oxidation on the rims. I like the machined or brushed look on the rims. Was wondering out to bring that back? Scotchbrite? Sandpaper? Are there any products I can use? What do the pros do? I'd like to seal the rim. Maybe clear coat?

Also some mild oxidation on the centers. I read online lightly pressure blast with plastic media. Will keep the gold coating on. Has anyone tried this?

[ERA Chas]

Depending on the current condition, there are several steps to restore them.
Assuming no cracks or damage, very mild blasting of the centers is OK-just not silica grits or aluminum oxide. I've used emory, bronze wool, scuff pads and grades of Nuvite polish to get to full polish-from most aggressive to least in order. Test small area to find the least-aggressive to start with-never use more grit than you have to. The Nuvite using the 'C' grit to start and 'S' for final high polish is excellent once you have gotten through the porous oxidation. Use their white application pads-excellent.
You can stop anywhere along the process if you want a satin or dull finish. Spray the centers with Duplicolor clear wheel acrylic-no paint or powder. DO NOT clear the machined rims-heat and brake dust will attack it under the clear. Just occasionally Nuvite them. These are 23 years old.

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[Cobrafan1]

Chas

Wow thanks for the reply! Your wheels look great! I personally really like the dull machined look on the rim. I read once (forgot where) someone throwing a wheel up on a lathe, spinning it and scotchbrighting the rim. Id love to try it.

Was wondering if you've ever tried Gibbs oil?

[ERA Chas]

Yes a lathe would be helpful for the back (assuming no stick-on weights). Fronts a little less because of the valve stems-unless you dismount them.
My last big discovery has been Nuvite but I think Gibbs is excellent for maintaining once you get them to point. Read all good things from users-just never got around to trying.
You can stop at the scuff pad stage which is like the KMP's 'wire finish'. You don't need sparkly but Gibbs will probably help you to keep them from turning 'porous'.

[Cobrafan1]

Chas

Forgive my ignorance. What is KMPs wire finish?

[ERA Chas]

Kirkham Motorsports aluminum-bodied replicas. They offer the car with wire finish which is like dressed with wire brushes. They also offer a finer, unpolished finish and full, mirror-polished cars. Click on their ad on the home page and you'll see those fabulous cars.

[601HP]

Originally Posted by Cobrafan1

Chas

Wow thanks for the reply! Your wheels look great! I personally really like the dull machined look on the rim. I read once (forgot where) someone throwing a wheel up on a lathe, spinning it and scotchbrighting the rim. Id love to try it.

Was wondering if you've ever tried Gibbs oil?

That was me working on Trigo wheels.. I was trying to create a poor man's magnesium wheel.

David

[Cobrafan1]

Ok I see what you mean. Yes a wire finish looks great. But magnesium is porous. Can it be sealed???

[ERA Chas]

Others have covered them in paint, powder etc. I just wouldn't and didn't do it. It just traps the oxidation within. I also felt polish and or Gibbs is best.

[Cobrafan1]

Chas

How often do you polish them?

[ERA Chas]

Depending on humidity, roughly once per month because I don't want them to get away from me. If you let the oxidation go it's just tougher and you have to use more aggressive stuff.
Of course some guys prefer that look or won't put in the sweat.
They were too valuable to me to let them become a pile of salt.

[Rjw289]

Chas- your wheels look very nice. I have mine looking nice also,and now have changed my mind from powdercoating them black.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by Rjw289

Chas- your wheels look very nice. I have mine looking nice also,and now have changed my mind from powdercoating them black.

Thanks-it's not for everybody but enjoy the natural finish.

[Cobrafan1]

Ok, so I decided to do a little test. Four weeks ago I bought a can of Gibbs oil. Brushed one third of one rim with 150 grit sandpaper to remove the oxidation that was present and then sprayed the wheel. Now its been raining like hell the last two weeks up here in the northeast. No perceptible signs of oxidation...will keep everyone posted....

[ERA Chas]

Great-posting a snap or two would be helpful.

[347stroker]

Gentlemen a little clarification please. When you say Gibb's oil are you referring to the motor oil or some other product? I am always looking for ways to keep the polished aluminum on my Peterbilt looking good for as long as possible. Thanks Tom

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by 347stroker

Gentlemen a little clarification please. When you say Gibb's oil are you referring to the motor oil or some other product? I am always looking for ways to keep the polished aluminum on my Peterbilt looking good for as long as possible. Thanks Tom

No - 'Gibbs Brand Protectant'. They have a site.

[347stroker]

Thanks! Tom

[Cobrafan1]

Chas

I'll try and take pics ASAP.

347

Google Gibbs spray oil magnesium. I'm impressed so far.

[347stroker]

Thanks again! Tom