An alternative method of refinishing aluminum wheels is outlined below.
This procedure may be found more effective than the previously published procedure (Bulletin 85-3-118) for wheels that are pitted or have painted inserts.
1 - Remove wheel.
2 - Wash wheels with soap and water - blow dry.
3 - Remove and mark location of wheel weight.
4 - Sand entire surface gently with a small orbital sander and 220 paper to remove clearcoat and corrosion.
5 - Sand entire surface with orbital sander and 320 paper.
6 - Hand sand entire surface with Scotch-Brite Cleaning Pad (Part No. 07445) or equivalent.
7 - Buff with mechanical polisher using 3M-05955 heavy duty buffing compound or equivalent.
8 - Rewash with soap and water, paying attention to edges and creases. Blow dry.
9 - Wash with washing reducer.
10 - Prepare with RM #801 Metal Conditioner, Dupont M-3 Metal Conditioner or equivalent.
11 - Apply Dupont 222-S Adhesion Promoter, R & M 811 Adhesion Promoter or equivalent.
12 - Clearcoat with two part clearcoat system (ie DuPont Hi-Tech System or R & M 893 2K Enamel Clearcoat & R & M 894 Catalyst Hardener or equivalent).
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.