The Fuchs Project: Day 2, 3 and 4
 

All of the sanding and polishing are done...next step is to paint...finally! It has been a fun project, took a little longer than expected but I am extremely pleased with the results. I should get my package from Pelican today and have these babies painted within a couple of days.

Thanks to all for you help and lessons learned.

Wayne C
83 SC

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/wheel5.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/wheel444.jpg

I'm impressed. Mine came off the car 11/17 and haven't moved along quite as well. I've removed paint & anodizing & sanded through 400 grit. I now see some imperfections, pitting etc., that I need to go back and resand. I just can't get motivated. I'm looking for other projects to do just so I don' have to go back to the wheels. I've already replaced brake lines, rebuilt & painted calipers, re-dyed seats, rebuilt pedal cluster, cleaned carpets, and removed speakers.
How'd you do it?

JG

Al Reed! Hey, I had to beat someone to it. To be honest with you, it looks like he does great work for the money he charges. He must have a room full of slave labor to charge those prices. When I first refinished my first set of wheels, WheelEnhancement was what I used as a guideline of pricing, and to be honest with you, the amount of labor involved seemed about right. But as a sadist, (I am a Dentist:) ) the time and work was kind of rewarding in a twisted, pain induced way. Not for everyone. And for those people, use Al Reed. I have to call him and tell him his prices are way too low!

what did he charge you for your wheels

JG, a couple of things I noticed it was 1) wheel position was extremely important. The ability to leverage on a particular area and get it smooth was very important. As time went on I found certain position allowed greater force to be applied thereby allowing better sanding. 2) always have a fresh piece of sand paper. ..I was using pieces too long and not getting good results...or taking way to long...use fresh paper.

89911, I agree, what Al Reed is charging is a bargin! Although I found it very rewarding to do it myself.

Wayne C
83 SC :)

Ok, I agree that Al Reed is a bargain, but the work is not outstanding. I would say it is ok, but not great. If you look closely at one of his jobs you'll find pitting in the metal and scratches and sometimes specs of dirt in the paint. From time to time you can see a mark or two on the spokes themselves. Yes, from a couple feet it looks pretty good, but when you get close up you begin to understand that, in the end, you get what you pay for. If you're looking for show quality wheels, I would not recommend Al Reed. If you want something tht's ok for everyday use, then he's your man. Sorry, guys, after all this Al Reed praise, I had to say something.