A protective clear or color coating is applied to the surface of the original equipment cast aluminum wheels. Surface degradation can develop if this clear coating is damaged or removed. This can happen at some automatic car wash facilities that use silicone carbide-tipped tire brushes to clean white walls and tires. Once the protective coating is damaged, exposure to caustic cleaners or road salt causes further surface degradation. The following procedure details how to strip, clean and recoat aluminum wheels.

Important: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and cautions when using these materials.

Required materials:

Before repairing the aluminum damage or the clear coat damage, prepare the wheels and the tires.

1. Remove the wheel from the vehicle.
2. Mark the location of the outboard weights and remove them.
3. Wash the wheel inside and out with a water-based, all-purpose cleaner. Remove the grease and oil with a solvent cleaner.
4. Mask the tire prior to painting.
5. Using a 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper, sand over the painted areas that will not require recoloring. Sanding will promote the adhesion of the clear coat.

1. Mount the wheel on a brake lathe and spin the assembly slowly.
2. Sand the wheel with a backing block or pad. Hold the backing block or pad flat to the surface of the wheel and sand slowly back and forth from the center to the outer edge of the tire to remove the damage. Use the following sandpaper grits in the order listed:

2.1.

80  grit

2.2.

150 grit

2.3.

240 grit

1. Apply the chemical stripper Amchem Alumi Prep No. 23. Use a small 1/4-inch detail brush to apply the stripper around the perimeter and spoke-like areas.
2. Remove the stripper according to manufacturer's recommendations.

Caution: When refinishing an aluminum wheel always remove the wheel from the vehicle. Do not use engine power to rotate the wheel. Failure to follow the instructions as indicated may result in personal injury or damage to the wheel.

Important: After repairing the aluminum or clear coat damage, the wheels must be recoated.

3. Sand the wheel with 240 grit sandpaper by rotating the wheel on a slow-spinning brake lathe or by mounting the wheel on the car and spinning it by hand. Sanding restores the machined appearance and promotes adhesion.

Caution: To avoid serious personal injury when applying any two part component paint system, follow the specific precautions provided by the paint manufacturer. Failure to follow these precautions may cause lung irritation and allergic respiratory reaction.

1. Clean the surface.
2. Soak the wheel with Amchem Alumi Prep No. 33 or equivalent for 1-3 minutes. Rinse the wheel with water and blow it dry.
3. Soak the wheel with Amchem Alodine No. 1001 or equivalent for 1-3 minutes. Rinse the wheel with water and blow it dry.
4. Finish with Ditzler Delclear Urethane and Ditzler Ultra-Urethane Additive or equivalent, using 3 coats.

4.1.	1st coat -- Spray on a light mist coat. Let dry.

4.2.	2nd coat -- Spray or paint on a light coat. Let dry.

4.3.	3rd coat -- Spray or paint on a heavy double wet coat. Let dry.

5. Let the urethane dry for 24 hours or flash for 30 minutes and force dry at 60°C (140°F) for 30 minutes. Allow the urethane to cool for 5 minutes before mounting the wheel on the vehicle.