STAFF CAR SAGAS
Nigel has himself a bit of a bling session!
DIY
With minimal outlay on materials, it really is just your time and effort that's required to get each wheel looking great again!
It had been a couple of years since I last polished the Scimitar’s Wolfrace wheels. As with most alloy wheels from the Seventies, the faces are ‘raw’ and unprotected by paint or lacquer, unlike modern alloys. As a consequence, the surface of the alloy becomes dull and pock-marked with tarnishing from exposure to weather and dirt.
I’ve had plenty of practice polishing raw alloys, dealing with the Scimitar’s wheels regularly plus the unlacquered alloys fitted to both my Triumphs. Over the years, I’ve found a method that works for me and takes mere hours rather than multiple days!
First, it’s important to be clear about the finish one is aiming for. If you want a concours show-winning maximum gloss, it’s going to take a lot more work. My method gives a very smart gloss that really boosts the car’s appearance, but it’s not going to win prizes in the show ring, as my intention is simply to enjoy driving a nicely presented classic. I should also add that this method is only for raw alloys and isn’t suitable for lacquered or painted rims.
Cleanliness is crucial
It's important to start with a through wash and rinse of the wheels, as any abrasive dirt from the road or brakes could spoil the polishing process. It’s also worth rinsing the wheels after each step during the cleaning and polishing. Once the wheels are nice and clean, the next stage is to remove the corrosion or tarnishing with fine wet and dry abrasive paper. Over time, the surface of the rim will oxidise, and water borne pollutant such as salt from the road surface will form pock marks of corrosion. I use 1200-grade wet and dry, thoroughly wetted with dilute detergent, sanding the surface in straightish lines that follow the rim’s circumference.
Unlike flatting paint, a circular motion isn’t necessary and would actually be very difficult.
Take care to work the wet and dry into the contours of the wheel rim, so as not to miss concave areas while avoiding over-sanding convex edges. A natural rhythm seems to develop while sanding and polishing, so the whole surface of the rim is treated evenly. Some
