The clearcoat on my factory wheels and centercaps is starting to be embarassing. They are the stock 16" aluminum. I want to strip off the clearcoat and the factory paint around the spokes. I want to polish and clearcoat for a natural look. I know the clearcoat isn't that tough, but what can I buy (Home Depot, parts store, etc.) to strip the paint without screwing up the finish? Has anyone done this and/or have any thoughts? Yes, I am to cheap to buy new wheels, or I wouldn't be doing this.

 

I am in the process of doing this to a set of 2500 alloys off a dodge for my truck. I found what works great is the fine 2" scotch-brite roll lock pads on a small air sander. Then I went over it with 400 grit before polishing it. In my opinion, they look better bare than with the clear. Just curious what style these wheels are you are going to strip.

 

I found a post on tech a while back about this, let me try to find it.

 

Found it:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472189

 

Thanks for the info! These are the wheels I'm going to strip. (pic from ebay)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-AL...QQcmdZViewItem

The ws6 link was useful, but those wheels didn't have any factory paint on them. I'm just trying to get a clearner look for cheap.
Thanks

 

They have a factory clear coat I think.

 

I would be concerned with rust. After you remove the paint, are you going to re-clear the wheels?

 

aluminum doesn't rust, it gets a protective layer of oxide on the surface when it oxidizes....

 

I Was Also Looking At Stripping My Stock Wheels, But Painting Them Black.... Anyone Have Any Insight On This As Well?

 

aircraft paint remover will get that clearcoat right off. throw you a little polish on them and you'll have some good looking aluminum wheels.