HELP alloy wheels polishing tips

[Dr. Robotnik]

Hi guys and girls,

I have to refurbish some of my alloy wheels and also ream out the rear wheel's axle hole to a slightly larger diameter.

I have heard that its possible to mount them on a lathe for polishing and I was wondering how to mount them?

I think for me, the biggest problem is mounting them while still being able to achieve the wheel drilling. The rim of the wheels have very thin ribs to seat the tires and I wouldn't want to crush them by clamping the chuck there. So maybe I should make a custom axle or something...but then I couldn't drill the axle hole.....

Can anyone give me any pointers for this? As although the car is going to be a shelf queen I would sleep better knowing I have reamed the holes out concentrically rather than off centre. I have access to a fully complimented machine shop so you can suggest anything within reason...

P.S. The wheels are the standard T&A/Duratrax style alloys on my JRX2

[shodog]

when I polish on a lathe I just make sure that I don't tighten the chuck down too much. you only need it to hold them slightly tight for polishing.

As for drilling the hole larger. first you want to use a drill press with some way of holding the wheel tight. When I drilled my one set, I wrapped a rag around the wheel then clamped it tight in a drill vise. I took a drill bit the same size as the current hole and moved the wheel around until the drill bit slid easily in and out. Replace the drill bit with the size you need and drill away.

[RETRO R/C]

Being an avid racer and vintage enthusiast - I dont use a lathe (Wish I had one) - I use my tyre truer! Simply mount up the wheel to the adapter - switch it on and break out the polishing cloth and Autosol.

That being said - I used to polish wheels all those years ago before tyre truers. All you need to do is place your drill in a drill press or a secure vice - put an axle in the chuck nice and square and fire her up. Actually - come to think of it - I used to use an old locked up rear gearbox too - and just mount the wheel to it.

Tyre truers are getting VERY cheap now - and you could even make your own for next to nothing. Lathes are awesome - but alot more expensive.

Just a few hurridly put together thoughts.

I have been trying to email you do Mr R........obviously have not been getting through!

Cheers

Darryn

[Dr. Robotnik]

Hi guys,

Thanks a lot for your kind advice on wheel polishing. I am sorry I hadn't replied before but I had a super hectic but fun weekend. I will let you know how it goes when I get a chance to try it out.

I am on holiday now though, so it will be a while before I get back to my RC stuff.

Cheers

Ed