E39 Mirrors

[cooljess76]

Not quite perfect, need to work on my technique. This small section took me about an hour. Of course this was after about 4 other attempts on different areas of the wheel using various methods. I'm still ending up with microscopic scratches from the polishing. I think I need to try a different polishing compound and/or cloth.

Started out by stripping the clearcoat off of the lips with Strypeeze paint remover. Then used 150 grit on a rubber sanding block to remove the curb rash. Then I used a Harbor Freight medium grit sanding pad to remove the factory machining grooves. Followed up with a fine grit sanding pad. From here on out I wet sanded each step. Started out with 500 grit, then 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, and finally 2000. From 1000-2000 grit, I added a small amount of dishwashing soap to the water so the sand paper would glide.

So here's where things get tricky. I applied some aluminum polish with my finger using a light circular motion. Then I used a cotton buffing disc on a rotozip to work it in and buff it out. Applied another coat of aluminum polish with my finger, then buffed it out with a microfiber cloth. Results:

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/schwarz318ti/CIMG5490.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/schwarz318ti/CIMG5491.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/schwarz318ti/CIMG5496.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/schwarz318ti/CIMG5497.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/schwarz318ti/CIMG5511.jpg

I'm really dreading getting back into this again tomorrow. The more I think about how much of a pain it's going to be to maintain these things, the more tempted I am to have them chrome plated.

BTW, please excuse my sorry attempt at a clever title. This thread has nothing to do with mirrors, just e39 wheels that are mirror polished:tongue:

[eurohb]

Dude looks tits! But when I polish wheels I use a product called blue magic compound. Its strong in odor just fyi bit it works amazing!! Trust me I've done a lot of wheels Jesse give it a shot n you wont be let down!

[Ralliart10]

They look nice. Can't wait to see once they are finish:cool:

[zoner]

Jess, you're absolutely right about maintaining that shine once you polish it- I got tired of having to spend the better part of a day every 4-5 weeks to keep the wheels on my truck shining like that. My last Camaro had chromed alloys- muuuch easier to maintain. It doesn't look quite as sweet as a polished aluminum wheel, but it also takes about 1/10 the effort to keep 'em shining.

Just out of curiosity, have you tried a completely clean (no compound or anything) cotton/canvas wheel on the final buff?

[eurohb]

Jesse check ur messages.

[slow_ti]

i polish my style 19's just about every week. it sucks!

[jca]

Jess, your craftsmanship is the best. What would your rims look like if you polished them up the way you want them, the shot them with a good quality clear coat? Just thinking out loud. John

[tiFreak]

So I've been thinking, sanding these things really sucks! What if I made a "potter's wheel" device that I could clamp a wheel onto and sand/polish it while it's spinning. Maybe I'll pick up a broken clothes dryer and scavange the motor, belt and pulleys, then build a small bench with a turntable.

it's either going to work or send a rim barrel flying into your neighbors yard :biggrin:

it looks great, it's probably going to be a pain to get all 4 rims done and maintained but it will look so good in the end

[eurohb]

220 grit

told ya!! haha