Fuchs - took out anodizing accidentally ?

[Deschodt]

I have a set of fuchs from my 72 which looked pretty nasty. Lots of old glue residuee from wheel weights placed on the outside of the wheel, dried in place since 1973, amber in color and strengh. No chemical touched that stuff, even a goof off soak didn't touch it... Eventually I used the smoothest sandpaper I could find, lubricated with Wd40, and got it off, but that, I fear, removed the anodizing in that area... If I use mag polish the rest of the wheel stays dull but that sanded area shines like a mirror...

So... what now ? The wheels are far from perfect and eventually they're going to Harvey anyway. But I was wondering, it's a small area, any chance I can reanodize it or fake it somehow for a uniform look? Mind you a little brake dust will probably do it ;-) Looks like it'll be easier to use oven cleaner on the entire wheel and finish what I started now...but I'm not fond of the polished look...

[cjannelli]

Greg,
I don't know how to post a link to another thread, but search this forum for "scotch brite fuchs refinish" and see Bob tilton's thread on a simple refinish technique.
Chris

[Deschodt]

Oh I remember that thread from way back, didn't remember it worked on polished wheels..cool ! Thanks.

[cjannelli]

Before and after shots.
Chris

[joefrantz]

I think the scotch brite technique creates a brushed appearance. You may be able to disguise the brighter area with a satin clear coat until you are ready for an official refinish.
A lot depends on what your "smoothest" grit was. If you are really through the anodize, then polish that area to a gloss, and hit it with the clear to dull it off. It won't be a perfect match, and it won't be permanent , but it might be good enough to get you by for a while.