I'd like to know how you guys restore MB alloy wheels after they've been on the road for 20 years +. I'm talking about the traditional alloy wheels seen in a lot of 123 MBs. Thanks.

I think you meant the bundcake style of alloy wheels. I figure that all rims do get quite a bit of brake dust and scrapes after 20+ years. What I did for mine was to thoroughly sand blast the rim, removing all old lacquer and brake dust. The finish would then be satin smooth. I applied an aluminum primer followed by two pack brilliant silver. Sure makes the car look much smarter. Regular cleaning and waxing prevent future brake dust accumulation.

Make sure all brake dust is removed, primer and paint do not adhere well to it.

there are several interesting threads on this. your options are powder coating or as benzie described, prep then good ole primer + paint. in fact there is a kit from griotsgarage.com for $60 or so, everything you need to do four wheels. unfortunately the refinishers have caught on and are charging $100+ per wheel now to powdercoat (yup just one).

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joE
1993 300e-2.8 - gone now <sigh>
"Do not adjust your mind, it's reality that's malfunctioning"
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I haven't actually done so but have read that if you get your wheels blasted, best to avoid sandblasting since it can pit the alloy, but instead use, I believe, walnut shells as the blasting medium.

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Steve
'93 400E

I've re-done 4 sets of those wheels and all I was use paint remover. I went over then many times to make sure all the paint was removed then washed them two or three times with soap and water then lacquer thinner.

At this point you can lightly sand any marks from curbs or wheel weight placement and then clean once again.

Pick the color you want, one set I used Aluminum paint, another I used just a silver....the brighter the better in my opinion.

The important thing to do is once you've painted the wheels is to clear coat them...this is a must or you'll be doing them again in a few years.

And remember when cleaning them, never use "wheel cleaner" that has acid in it!!!

Good luck, it's a great weekend project.

Tox!