How to "unpolish" mirror style wheels

[francesconyc]

tell me if im wrong but both original Fuchs and Maxilite don't sell satin silver wheels, Maxilite only has mirror style, which I'm not sure who likes them, unless you live in Miami...

Anyway... are you aware if there are regular all anodized aluminum OR a way to "unpolish" them?

[930cabman]

Let me have them for a couple months, I can unpolish anything

[Old H2S]

I use a green Scotch Bright pad..Perfect

[GH85Carrera]

Before you mount tires have a body shop paing them with clear coat and some dulling spray. It will protect the aluminum, and look like you wanted.

[Old H2S]

I did that too, at first.. looked great, lasted a year in salt air at the beach, took a lot of Flac here for going quick and dirty. Then I changed my mind and went satin instead of RSR matt. The mirror was too much California bling bling for the local dunebillies here and the purist's.

[maverck]

Originally Posted by Old H2S

I use a green Scotch Bright pad..Perfect

Do you have pics? I have been thinking of taking scotch brites on my polished Fuchs but keep chickening out!

[AndrewCologne]

Well, Scotch Bright at least here in germany is too abrasive.
For best results and control use special dulling/matting pads like from abralon with 3000 grid.
this gives you a prefect finish and is also used in paint shops.
https://www.amazon.com/MIRKA-Abralon-Inch-Sanding-Discs/dp/B0147GOW74

[Bruce911_]

Originally Posted by francesconyc

tell me if im wrong but both original Fuchs and Maxilite don't sell satin silver wheels, Maxilite only has mirror style, which I'm not sure who likes them, unless you live in Miami...

Anyway... are you aware if there are regular all anodized aluminum OR a way to "unpolish" them?

Very funny. I live in south Florida and have polished Fuchs on my ‘88 Carrara since the car was a few years old. I first saw them on many 911’s when visiting California around that time. I have thought about putting them back to the stock look but I like them too much and I am always complimented on them. To each his own, do what makes you happy.

[zztot]

I am not expert at this so my answer is somewhat speculative.
I. Believe original early wheels ARE satin finished….up to 73, so to me your premise is not accurate. May be true for Maxilite but not real Fuchs.
When Al Reed was in business polished were a lot cheaper to do than original satin anodized as that is a separate process beyond the polishing. Personally I would not take anything abrasive to accomplish your objective.
Seems someone should have the expertise to explain the process but I believe doing it right involves chemical treatment.. not sure how they are prepared to get end result.
Good luck.

[PeteKz]

Francesco: The orignal wheels were anodized, then the black was painted over the center areas. If you want the correct appearance, you will need to send them to one of the places that specializes in wheel refinishing and pay the price.

Simply "unpolishing" the surface will lead to discoloring and surface corrosion. Do it right, or don't waste your time.

[francesconyc]

i see... mmm afte reading all these I may have changed my mind then... why there are no options for all aluminum satin ? mystery...

[zztot]

There are options but not necessarily what you want. Anodization is a process to protect aluminum from degrading due to “corrosion “ from atmospheric conditions.
It is universally accepted even in architectural aluminum. In essence it converts the pure surface by a multi step treatment. Good that you asked before diving off that bridge and damaging the wheels but suspect you can better understand the process by doing online search of the process.
If you have wheels that are polished they don’t have protection and thereby need regular maintenance ( polishing) to stay nice..
Porsche wanted durability but also maintaining the satin appearance which was in the early days the look they were after.

[maverck]

This thread inspired me to take scotchbrite pads to the centers of mine.

I believe they look WAY better!

[francesconyc]

Originally Posted by maverck

This thread inspired me to take scotchbrite pads to the centers of mine.

I believe they look WAY better!

yes that's my desired finish!