Wheel polishing in Chicago area?

[Steve 82SC]

I'm nearing the end of a long project and would like to have the Fuchs wheels on my SC polished. I know the accolades that Al Reed receives, but I would prefer to get this done locally and forego the shipping issues. Can anyone recommend a good polisher in the Chicago area?
Thanks.....Steve

[MotoSook]

Steve I wish I knew of on...I have two sets that need help. Cali is to far to ship for a little bling...

Please Santa..all I want for Christmas is a local polisher.

[epbrown]

Ditto - there's got to be someone doing this in or near the Windy City; we should check with other car clubs.

Emanuel

[Steve 82SC]

I spoke to a friend of mine who owns an auto interior business on Clark Street in the city...does alot of high-line stuff with luxury cars, hot-rods, and restorations. He's checking into this for me. I can't belive that there wouldn't be a local source. I'll let you know what he finds out in a couple of days.

Steve

[scottb]

Round-trip shipping via FedEx Ground from the Chicago area to Al Reed should be less than $100. Given Al's reasonable prices, it might make $$ sense to ship them to him anyway. If you find a local source, compare his prices to Al's. Of course, keep in mind that Al's work will be impeccable, and he knows Fuchs. In other words, don't make a decision that is penny-wise but turns out to be pound-foolish.

My $.02.

[sixbanger]

Any body shop should be able to do it.

[RickM]

Take a look in the yellow pages under Chromers and/or Polishers. Then go look at their work.

If you need Fuchs specific painting and anodizing you may need to send to one of the specialists.... Good luck

[MotoSook]

I'm definitely a fan of Al Reed, but it will be very nice to have a local polisher. Just stripping the paint and polishing the wheel should not take an alloy specialist, just a shop with the right space, equipment and cheap labor, right?

For repairs I would send it out to someone who has Fuch'n experience, but why pay for shipping if you don't have to? Shipping has it potential hazards too!

John Walker does great work too, but I'm not going to ship my car to him for an oil change. OK that's extreme, but I don't like the attitude that one should limit one's resources, because there already exist a single good source. I like options and I hate wasting money.

[KTL]

I hear ya about shipping hazards Souk.

You tried calling this place?

Courtesy Metal Polishing Svc.
735 N Addison Rd
Villa Park, IL 60181
Main Phone: 630-832-1862

The name all by itself ensures good service!

Rick's advice is how i'd start my search. Also look under anodizing. To anodize something with a nice finish, the surface must first be polished. So the anodizers should be able to give useful recommendations for good polishers? Just my assumption.

Also, you might be able to save yourself a little $ by having the wheels de-anodized instead of the polisher having to whoop on the anodizing to get down to the metal for polishing? Kicker there though is that any anodizing guy is going to want all of the paint removed before de-anodizing.

[scottb]

I'm merely suggesting that it might make sense economically to ship the wheels to Al. His pricing is very reasonable and, even if shipping is factored-in, the cost might be comparable to a local polisher. The advantage of Al doing the wheels is that he's a expert. Ask yourself this question: Do you really want to be the test project for someone who hasn't done Fuchs before?

People ship Al wheels from all over the country. Yes, it's possible they can be damaged, but if packed properly, and then insured up the wazoo, there probably isn't much risk. I had my 7s and 8s shipped to him directly from the seller in Virginia, and they arrived in perfect condition. I shipped a set of wheels to Kurt V in Missourri, and they arrived unscathed.

So, the bottom line here is the bottom line. If Al can do your wheels at a cost (including shipping and insurance) that is competitive with a local (inexperienced) polisher, it seems like a no-brainer. Go with the expert!

OK, I'm off my soapbox now. I feel much better.

[MotoSook]

Scott, I absolutely agree that if a good local shop can't be found for a price that is advantageous or even comparable to an Al Reed job w/ shipping, then it doesn't make sense to give the corner tire shop a shot at it.

[moab911]

Souk- How do you locate Al Reed?

[MotoSook]

moab: try searching Al Reed...I don't have his number handy...or someone else can chime in.

[scottb]

AL REED SPECIALITY POLISHING
3010 E. Coronado #A, Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 632-3907

One thing I forgot to mention, Al can also clear powdercoat your wheels.

[moab911]

Tried a search and nothing came up so really appreciate the information. Will contact him . Thanks Bruce