Polishing BBS Magnesium Wheel Centers | FerrariChat
Buy

Polishing BBS Magnesium Wheel Centers

Discussion in 'Detailing & Showroom' started by wildcat767676, Dec 24, 2013.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #1 wildcat767676, Dec 24, 2013
    Ok, I've searched and found lots of advice on removing oxidation on aluminum wheels. I just picked up some used BBS 3 piece wheels with minor oxidation from sitting. However, the centers of the wheels are magnesium mesh design. I believe a E501 model. Is there any special way to remove the oxidation? I think the magnesium might actually be anodized as it's a black color.

    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks.
     
  2. Dan Kyle

    Dan Kyle Formula 3

    Jul 9, 2013
    2,115
    Carmel Highlands
    Full Name:
    Dan Kyle
    #2 Dan Kyle, Dec 24, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I do not know the best way to remove the oxidation.

    Here is a link I found where they sandblasted the wheels.

    Magnesium can also be polished

    What ever method you use, I do know you want to recoat the metal.

    As Mag oxidizes quickly

    If you do polish them, I have used a coating called "Sharkhide"

    It is a clear finish, so the polished comes thru.

    The picture shows an OEM NSX forged aluminum wheel that was polished and coated with Sharkhide.

    Refinishing BBS magnesium & Fikse race wheels...???

    How to Restore and Powder Coat Wheels

    Sharkhide
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  3. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #3 wildcat767676, Dec 24, 2013
    Great info, I really appreciate it!! The second link really opened my eyes to restoring a 3 piece wheel. I had no idea how involved it was. I also didn't realize I could have the centers powder coated. This opens up so many options now. I really think the gold centers would look great on my red GT4. I like black too and silver. Now I'm going to have to google for images of GT4's with BBS wheels....haha!

    Also, that sharkhide looks like a life saver. You don't have to keep polishing that exposed aluminum outer ring constantly!

    Thanks again.
     
  4. BBL

    BBL Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2006
    658
    Northern California
    Full Name:
    Sean
    #4 BBL, Dec 24, 2013
    DO NOT sandblast magnesium. The best thing to do would be to arrange to have them re-chromated (not chromed - chromated) by a specialist. I sent my mag wheel centers to Mr. Gary Arentz in San Andreas, California on the recommendation of a vintage racer associate, and was pleased with the result and the price.
     
  5. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #5 wildcat767676, Dec 24, 2013
    They look anodized... Is that what you're referring to?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  6. Dan Kyle

    Dan Kyle Formula 3

    Jul 9, 2013
    2,115
    Carmel Highlands
    Full Name:
    Dan Kyle
    #6 Dan Kyle, Dec 24, 2013
  7. BBL

    BBL Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2006
    658
    Northern California
    Full Name:
    Sean
    #7 BBL, Dec 24, 2013
    Here is some guidance as to what is required from Mike Barnby Racing Wheels, a long time mag wheel manufacturer in the UK. I hope this helps.
     
  8. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #8 wildcat767676, Dec 24, 2013
    Thanks for the links guys, this is exactly what I needed! I would have probably ruined them.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  9. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #9 wildcat767676, Jan 11, 2014
    Ok here's a before:

    [​IMG]


    And here's where I'm at today. Still having trouble getting polished lip like new.


    [​IMG]


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  10. Rod

    Rod Formula Junior

    Jan 18, 2004
    870
    South Derbyshire
    Full Name:
    Rod
    #10 Rod, Jan 12, 2014
    The gold looks awesome...Will look amazing on your gt4


     
  11. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #11 wildcat767676, Jan 12, 2014
    Thanks Rod!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  12. Jean-Claude

    Jean-Claude Karting

    Sep 23, 2009
    187
    Atlanta
    #12 Jean-Claude, Jan 12, 2014
    Could it be that you're not able to get enough leverage on the lip? Or are you getting plenty and they are so worn that the oxidation has eaten deep into the metal and it is not close to smooth?
     
  13. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #13 wildcat767676, Jan 12, 2014
    Seems like it's the polishing wheels getting gummed up. Gonna try a new set of polishing wheels...


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  14. Jean-Claude

    Jean-Claude Karting

    Sep 23, 2009
    187
    Atlanta
    #14 Jean-Claude, Jan 12, 2014
    If it's just the edge of the lip, try a dremel with a polishing wheel. Though you will probably burn through a ton of those wheels. It will give you the access to the very inner edge and yet enough control to see what you're doing.
     
  15. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #15 wildcat767676, Jan 12, 2014
    Thanks for the tip! Can the wheels be cleaned somehow?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  16. Jean-Claude

    Jean-Claude Karting

    Sep 23, 2009
    187
    Atlanta
    #16 Jean-Claude, Jan 12, 2014

    As in normally cleaned/washed? Yes.

    Try p21s Total Auto Wash, p21s Wheel Gel or Sonax Full Effect Wheel cleaner. Follow the directions on the bottle and do not allow the chems to dry/film on your polished aluminum.
     
  17. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #17 wildcat767676, Jan 12, 2014
    Oops sorry I meant the polishing wheels! :)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  18. Jean-Claude

    Jean-Claude Karting

    Sep 23, 2009
    187
    Atlanta
    #18 Jean-Claude, Jan 13, 2014
    I don't think the effort would pay off. I suggest having a few hammered ones set aside for the initial cut and then a few set aside for the final polishing steps. Basically, keep the hammered ones hammered and the nice ones nice.
     
  19. wildcat767676

    wildcat767676 Formula Junior

    May 20, 2011
    531
    Gilbert, Arizona
    #19 wildcat767676, Jan 13, 2014
    Makes sense to me, thanks!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

Share This Page