London SE

iTrader: (1)

First I'd like to know if anyone has done this and what kind of results they've gotten...I have a 2000 SE and I really want to trying Polishing the Aluminum, If anyone could give me a Walkthrough or a Basic Idea of what to do, that would be great !

Thanks, Markus.

PrinzII

iTrader: (2)

What kind of aluminum? Is it painted? Does the rim still have the clearcoat?

London SE

iTrader: (1)

They are the completely stock 2000 SE 17X7 6 Spoke Rims, and Yes they still have the clear Coat.

PrinzII

iTrader: (2)

Considering that the rim itself is a clear coated rim. you can treat it like a painted surface. I did the following to my '02 Maxima SE's 6 spokers:

a) Clayed the rim to remove any contamination
b) Polished the rim using Klasse All In One
c) Applied a coat of Klasse Sealant Glaze to protect the rim and make removing brake dust easier.

If you want to use OTC stuff, you can get a decent claybar and then use the Meguiar's Deep Crystal cleaner wax to remove the oxidation and add a little protection.

PrinzII

iTrader: (2)

Here's the rim after the above:

London SE

iTrader: (1)

It looks really good, But I want to actually get that "Polished Aluminum" Look,
I know the Process using a polisher is Something like 400 Grit, Then 600 Grit, then series of Polishes, But I'm not sure...I think some people have done this to Valve Covers/Intake Manifolds/ Etc Etc...

PrinzII

iTrader: (2)

Am I correct in assuming that you want to strip the current finish off the rims and then polish them similar to the '03's TE rims?

London SE

iTrader: (1)

Yes. That is exactly what I want.