macnewbie Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 Has anyone successfully restored alloy wheels? My truck came with the correct argent styled wheels, but I would like the chance to change things up and have an opportunity to pick up an inexpensive set of allow wheels. I have not seen them in person but they seem to have some oxidation. Can they be brought back to their former glory? If yes, how? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gsmblue Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 I have seen some youtube videos restoring polished wheels, looks like a fair amount of work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1986F150Six Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 I have seen some youtube videos restoring polished wheels, looks like a fair amount of work. Gary Lewis did an extensive review of the wheels he restored and it began in 2011. I have not found the completed thread, yet. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1026017-refinishing-aluminum-wheels.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1986F150Six Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 Gary Lewis did an extensive review of the wheels he restored and it began in 2011. I have not found the completed thread, yet. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1026017-refinishing-aluminum-wheels.html Here is a photo of his magnificent work: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1986F150Six Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 Here is a photo of his magnificent work: Juan, the wheel in the photo [original post] might not be an original FORD wheel in that it does not have provisions for mounting the center cap. FORD used 3 screws... take a close look at the restored wheel photo. There is nothing wrong, in my opinion, in having after market wheels and those could be restored or painted and would look clean! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 Gary Lewis did an extensive review of the wheels he restored and it began in 2011. I have not found the completed thread, yet.https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1026017-refinishing-aluminum-wheels.htmlDavid - I don't know where that page went. It was on the website, so I need to put it on again. But in the interim here 'tis: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted August 10, 2023 Share Posted August 10, 2023 David - I don't know where that page went. It was on the website, so I need to put it on again. But in the interim here 'tis: I've now put it on the page at Documentation/Driveline/Wheels & Tires and then on the tab called Refinishing Aluminum Wheels. Hope that makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpin Posted August 11, 2023 Share Posted August 11, 2023 Juan, the wheel in the photo [original post] might not be an original FORD wheel in that it does not have provisions for mounting the center cap. FORD used 3 screws... take a close look at the restored wheel photo. There is nothing wrong, in my opinion, in having after market wheels and those could be restored or painted and would look clean! Good catch David! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nothing Special Posted August 11, 2023 Share Posted August 11, 2023 Juan, the wheel in the photo [original post] might not be an original FORD wheel in that it does not have provisions for mounting the center cap. FORD used 3 screws... take a close look at the restored wheel photo. There is nothing wrong, in my opinion, in having after market wheels and those could be restored or painted and would look clean! Good catch David! As an aside, why do we call aluminum wheels "alloy" as if that differentiates them from steel? I get that "aluminum" wheels aren't pure aluminum, they're aluminum alloyed with other elements. But last I checked, "steel" wasn't listed on the periodic table. I'm not trying to change common terminology. I use it too. But just sayin'... OK, back to your regularly scheduled programming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gsmblue Posted August 11, 2023 Share Posted August 11, 2023 As an aside, why do we call aluminum wheels "alloy" as if that differentiates them from steel? I get that "aluminum" wheels aren't pure aluminum, they're aluminum alloyed with other elements. But last I checked, "steel" wasn't listed on the periodic table. I'm not trying to change common terminology. I use it too. But just sayin'... OK, back to your regularly scheduled programming. My recollection is they were called “aluminum alloy wheels” at first and that got contracted to “alloy wheels” as people are, you know, lazy 🤣 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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