E39 Mirrors
 

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/a...i/CIMG5490.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...i/CIMG5491.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...i/CIMG5496.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...i/CIMG5497.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...i/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:

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!

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

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?

Jesse check ur messages.

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

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

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

220 grit

told ya!! haha