Restoring Original American Racing Wheels

[MosportGreen66]

Hi All,

At Carlisle, Dave and I scored an original pair of 14x7 inch American Racing Torque Thrust wheels. Its an original "crows foot" style design. We're likely going to run them on the front of the Z for an authentic day-2 look.

What is the best practice for polishing the lip of the wheel? One wheel has minor curb scrapes on the outer most lip. Any suggestion for filing down the lip? It almost seems like a large lave would be ideal...

What color should the spokes be? I'd like to replicate what Brian and Joe did on Rick's '68 L78 Nova.

Thanks,
Dan

[68l30]

I restored my original set of 14X7's a few years back. You can chuck them up in a lathe, but, they will chatter and the finish will be less then desirable. A bullard, another type of horizontal lathe will work better. Your best bet is still files and emery cloth while the rim is spinning either vertical or horizontal. I re-machined my center cap and lug holes on a Cincinnati vertical mill then set them to Royalton Polishing and let the master finish them. I went with a natural blasted center with a polished front and rear. With a flat head American shank lug and SST cap screws, I think the look is spot on. Also, I never-seize the center cap screws, doesn't take much for them to freeze up. Especially if they are steel!


BIG

[68l30]

Pic..

[mockingbird812]

Whoa Big! Very snappy!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img]

[ORIGLS6]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68l30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your best bet is still files and emery cloth while the rim is spinning either vertical or horizontal. </div></div>

Agreed. I followed Steve's (&amp; Marlin's) advice when refinishing the TTs for my Nova. Emery cloth, Wet/Dry sandpaper, 0000 Steel Wool, etc. However, I had a couple of stubborn stains on the spokes so I painted them. The picture is a little deceiving; they're really more of a flat finish than shown here.

[Salvatore]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68l30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pic..</div></div> Man that is a nice car Steve!

[m22mike]

Sam it's a beater... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

[mockingbird812]

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img] I like this &quot;beater&quot;!!!!!

[bergy]

I prefer a higher polish on the machined surface - Ned recommended the polisher. Cast surface is lightly cleared so that the brake dust can be cleaned off. Car's not ready for them yet though.

[68l30]

Thanks guys!

The &quot;beater&quot; has been a blast ...Looking forward to removing the ol' mags soon and mounting up studded snows, clamping on the NOS ski racks... The life of a beater! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]


BIG