Hubcap restoration
 

Sorry if this is in the wrong area but was wondering if anyone had any tips on how I can bring back the finish on my hubcaps. 3 of them are milky-white, and one is shiny. I've tried the baking soda and dish soap trick, rubbing compound, and steel wool, but nothing gets the milky finish off. My next step is to put a buffing wheel on my bench grinder and see if that works.
Please move this thread to the appropriate place if necessary.
Thanks:gmc2:

Re: Hubcap restoration
 

I would think buffing would work..I've seen polished aluminium that looked chrome
I've seen several on here that have restored hubcaps so I know it can be done..might ask in the 73-87 section

Re: Hubcap restoration
 

I probably should not comment because I'm not familiar with these particular caps, but if they are aluminum, then they are anodized. If said anodizing has turned cloudy you will never be successful polishing them unless you strip the old anodizing off and then polish the raw aluminum. Of course, this means a total repaint too. Anodizing remover is available as a specific thing, or you could try general oven cleaner in a pinch. Either way, restoring shine to trim with clouded anodizing is a lot of work, not at all like a simple wax and buff.

Re: Hubcap restoration
 

Thanks everyone. I'll try buffing them. If that doesn't work, I'll look for another set. Low priority right now.

Re: Hubcap restoration
 

You would need to polish them and make them look like new before reanodizing. You can look up how to do it. I have never done this myself. But I did look it up a few years ago. It requires Sodium Hydroxide and electric current. naOH is some pretty nasty stuff. Be careful if you choose to do this yourself!

Re: Hubcap restoration
 

I'm getting some of the oxidation off by using Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and 0000 steel wool. They won't be perfect but good enough for a daily driver.
Thanks everyone for your help.

Re: Hubcap restoration
 

Here's a before and after.

Re: Hubcap restoration
 

Are those 3/4 ton or 1/2 ton ? If you need some nice 1/2 ton ones I think I have a nice set . I want to take all the paint off of a set of Chevy ones and paint just the Bowtie the color of my truck if it ever comes home .

Re: Hubcap restoration
 

Mine are 3/4 ton. Original to my 84 Sierra