DIY Rusty Aluminum Rim Restoration

[grevster]

I just bought a set of old Civic Aluminum 14x5.5J rims and they have a lot of oxidation and even some biological growth on the surface. Here is a picture of a rim before the restoration.



I took up the challenge of restoring them.

Here is my plan of attack:
1. using wire brush and coarse sand paper, get rid of the heavy rust.
2. sand down using 200, 400, 800 grit sand papers gradually.
3. polish them using 3m abrasive compound.
4. paint using anti-rust aluminum paint.
5. (optional) sand and clear coat (if I have time).

I will update and post pictures here as I progress.

Any suggestions or experience in restoring aluminum rims in the past would be also greatly appreciated.