How to Repair Hazed Clear Coat Rims

Rims serve a function and purpose in that they hold the tire in place and provide weight to the wheel assembly. However, rims also have an aesthetic value. Hazed clear coat rims look unsightly and can lower the resale value of your vehicle. By taking care of the rims and keeping them clean, you can avoid having to repair the hazing effect that comes with weather-beaten finishes. However, even if your rims are hazed, you can still repair them with a little polishing compound and elbow grease.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Orbital polishing machine
• Orbital buffer
• Polishing compound
• Jack with jack stands
• Tire wrench

1. Break the lug nuts loose on all four wheels using a tire wrench. You do not want to unseat the wheels, but you do need to loosen them so that you can remove them once the vehicle is on jack stands. Turn the lug nuts 1/4 turn with the wrench to loosen them. Jack the vehicle up using the front jack point on the vehicle. The front jack point is located behind the radiator and is an extension of the frame. Place a jack stand under each of the front pinch welds of the vehicle and lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.

2. Raise the rear of the vehicle onto jack stands. This time you will obviously be using the rear pinch welds and rear jack point located near the trunk area. Continue to remove the lug nuts from the wheel using a tire wrench and pull the wheel off the wheel hub. Lay the wheel face up on the ground.

3. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to the orbital buffer pad. Gently rub the polishing compound over the surface of the rim without turning the machine on. This simply spreads the polishing compound on so that when you turn the buffer on, it does not fling the polish everywhere.

4. Turn the buffer on its lowest setting and begin to work the polish into the clear coat of the rim. Use a circular motion with the buffer, but do not apply hard pressure. Let the buffer do the work. Flip the rim over to the other side and repeat for the other rims. Re-install the wheels on your vehicle. Installation is the reverse of removal.

References

• Automotive Body Repair and Painting Manual by Haynes; Jay D. Storer, John H. Haynes; 1994.