need a bit of advice polishing wheels

[wallopadonkey]

i have got a set of pirelli p alloys mk1 for my golf i want to polish them to a mirror finish
i have a perfect polishing kit for alloy from ebay for attaching to my bench grinder but i also have a makita 9217spc stone polishing sander rotary just wondered if this would be any good to get rid of the corrosion then try the polishes with the felt bobs etc

what grades do i use to get it going before i can use the polish
i have detailed cars for a few years but never polished wheels or anything else like this dont want to cock it up wheels were not exactly free gifts if ya get my drift

ta
dave

 

[Chipper]

When I did my current bike wheels I wet 'n dried by hand first, various grades down to 1200. Gave the corroded areas a going-over first, then the whole lot so it was uniform, then onto the polish.
I've used flap wheels before in different grades to attack mank too, but this time preferred the extra control of the 'ol mitts.

 

[storm monkey]

If they are in good nick, then some very fine wet and dry, finishing with 2400, then onto a coarse cutting compound, then gradually get finer and finer until you're at an ultrafine concourse polish. If you get hold of some foam polishing pad of various grades, they are probably you're best bet. The Sonus ones are excellent, and as they fit to a velcro backing pad, they are machine washable. I got mine from Autopia, who are a US company, but they were still here in 3 days, and cheaper than any UK source. They are also good for paintwork, with the correct polish, also. Bear in mind though, that not all polishes are suitable for machine use. Meguires and autoglyn seem to ball up too easily. Again, I use sonus, but thats cos they work well with the pads I have.

Phil

 

[wallopadonkey]

you understand the whole sonus / autopia thing ?! i am not alone

i started on that stuff detailing cars but have left the business for a while until the economy recovers!!
polishes are good gear they just full of acrylic fillers is the only problem.
got loads of piccies of stuff i have done if you interested lol
my porter cable was first choice but it is a bit gentle really for what i want to do i have a load of swirlbuster pads left may just kill a few of them playing with the rotary makita instead.
ta fella

 

[storm monkey]

ah, the PC. A brilliant piece of kit. Was my first choice too. Mine was bought to restore the finishon my Corrado. Yes, perhaps a little gentle though. I understand a rotary is a different technique, and actually melts paint! A true polish, e.g. not an automotive one, or a cutting compound maay have a little more bight with less white dust. Whatever you go for, post your progress.

Phil

 

[wallopadonkey]

cheer may do a how to lol or at least a how not to!!
stay posted lol

 

[gaz_moose]

id be tempted to paint stripper the old stuff off then get on with the sanding up to mirror finnish then a final coat of autosol

 

[wallopadonkey]

yeah but what i wanted to know was the grades of sanding paper to get mirror polish ie which grit etc to get the finish

 

[gaz_moose]

oh i see.id say the answer would be as high as you an be bothered/can get. 2000grit