1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Polishing OEM Flat Aluminum Wheels?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by stewartx, Jan 29, 2012.

  1. Jan 29, 2012 at 6:14 PM
    #1
    stewartx

    stewartx [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2012
    Member:
    #70271
    Messages:
    1,809
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Silver DC SB TRD Off-Road
    Winch, front hitch, step bars, bed extender, bed step, gull-wing toolbox, tailgate lock, security system, cb radio, etc.
    The stock aluminum wheels on my 2012 Tacoma OR are flat and dull (by design). Is there any way to polish these to a high gloss?

    1. Have anyone actually done this?
    2. What method would you recommend, assuming tires will remain on wheels (no way to remove) and I want enough control to only polish very outside surfaces?
    3. Are there any risks to this idea?

    Thanks for any feedback, guidence, or suggestions.
     
  2. Jan 29, 2012 at 7:43 PM
    #2
    lowstature

    lowstature FNG

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2010
    Member:
    #48032
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Karl
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Vehicle:
    2012 DBL Cab
    3" lift Add on back-up Camera 18" off road wheels N-Fab bars
    The stock wheels have a clear coating over a slightly ribbed machine cut wheel. This causes two problems... 1st, for shine, you want a smooth surface, 2nd, since they are clear coated, you have to strip the coating off to polish them.

    If you have nothing but time on your hand, I would recommend buying a used rim from someone on the site. You can strip it, sand it, and polish it and then have it switched out with the next one you do.

    That is a lot of work, I would consider having them painted a different color vs stripping and polishing them. If shine is your thing, you might find someone willing to trade you for something else chrome instead, that would be much easier and there are a lot of options out there.
     
  3. Jan 30, 2012 at 8:55 PM
    #3
    808hiker

    808hiker Taco addict

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2010
    Member:
    #39799
    Messages:
    2,325
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Justin
    Big Island, Hawaii
    I detailed my stock TRD Off Road rims during last summer. I used polish, wax, and sealant. It worked pretty well, it looks a bit more shiny than it was before and the rims bead water now.
     
  4. Jan 30, 2012 at 11:47 PM
    #4
    stewartx

    stewartx [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2012
    Member:
    #70271
    Messages:
    1,809
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Silver DC SB TRD Off-Road
    Winch, front hitch, step bars, bed extender, bed step, gull-wing toolbox, tailgate lock, security system, cb radio, etc.
    Thanks for the replies, guys. It's not a big deal, so I may just leave it as it is. Just had an impression the wheels were shinier, so was a bit surprised when the vehicle arrived.

    On the other hand, might just go at it with fine sandpaper and emery cloth attached to a drill, followed by polish and sealant. Not today though. :rofl:
     
  5. Jan 30, 2012 at 11:53 PM
    #5
    Derpy Derek

    Derpy Derek Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2010
    Member:
    #36868
    Messages:
    4,889
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Brookings, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 TRD Sport 4x4 DCSB
    ARB Bumper, Smittybilt X20, King suspension
    Do you mean shiny like the TRD Sport wheels?
     
  6. Jan 31, 2012 at 12:18 AM
    #6
    stewartx

    stewartx [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2012
    Member:
    #70271
    Messages:
    1,809
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Silver DC SB TRD Off-Road
    Winch, front hitch, step bars, bed extender, bed step, gull-wing toolbox, tailgate lock, security system, cb radio, etc.
    Yea, something like that - high-gloss aluminum wheels. Toyota had one or two such wheel options for my truck, but, again, I was under the impression the included wheels were already a bit shinier.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top