Laquer on polished alumnium??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

miljohnj5 · #1 08-15-2007, 06:09 PM

If I polish my original 14" 'bundts' and then laquer them, will the laquer adhere correctly to a smooth polished surface? Also, can I paint my entire W123 'rocker-panels' with a rust inhibitor such as 'Chassis Saver' or 'Miracle Paint' without any serious repercussions? I want a nice solid 'stove' color instead of my faded gray. I found a good indy

so I'm trying to constructively designate the rest of my summer vacation with some aesthetics after doing the dieselgiant ALDA hose cleaning and diesel purge plus other simpler things for beginners like me.

The indy will have his work cut out for him and my wallet will be cut out of me. All the things too big for a beginner such as CV joints/boots and dis-/re-assembling front air-dam assembly etc... Anyway, thank you guys for the free and helpful advice which is ALWAYS here, it serves a valuable service for newbies like me who otherwise would call up the $tealer for advice and get laughed at.

tankdriver · #2 08-15-2007, 06:53 PM

Why lacquer? I don't see why it wouldn't stick, but I'd use an automotive clearcoat.

miljohnj5 · #3 08-15-2007, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankdriver

Why lacquer? I don't see why it wouldn't stick, but I'd use an automotive clearcoat.

That's the route I'm taking by using a wheel cleaner kit but I saw laquer in the kit and wondered. I want to do it myself instead of paying for bead blasting which I assume creates a more ideal surfacing for refinishing than just polishing. I found a wheel kit mentioned in the forum archives using an outdated name but I've found it labled as a German Wheel Restoration Kit, ahh yes...

blindwolf · #4 08-15-2007, 08:16 PM

I do not know what you are planning to use to polish the alumnium with. I have used a german product called Happich Simichrome Polish for all of my metal polishing. It polishes and seals, just requiring occasional buffing to keep a shine. It can be found at most motorcycle shops.

miljohnj5 · #5 08-15-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blindwolf

I do not know what you are planning to use to polish the alumnium with. I have used a german product called Happich Simichrome Polish for all of my metal polishing. It polishes and seals, just requiring occasional buffing to keep a shine. It can be found at most motorcycle shops.

I planned on using this kit;
http://www.autogeek.net/german-wheel-restoration-kit.html but on closer inspection its only good for 2 wheels per kit, ouch...I could use that kind of money on other things. I haven't however heard of Happich Simichrome I do know Flitz polish works well and for the German enthusiast I know Autosol works well also.

C Sean Watts · #6 08-16-2007, 08:26 AM

IF you're painting aluminum or alloy wheels, the metal must be clean. You can use aircraft stripper (safe for aluminum, available at Sprawl Mart) or bead/media blasting. No sand, it's better used for steel. Then, use 'metal prep' or self etching primer. Regular primer that is used on sheet steel tends to release after a short time. Then use a clear coat appropriate for your base/color coat formulation.