So I recently bought a used set of DPE S20's for my IS350. They were pretty worn and beat up but I got them for a really good price. I called around for a quote to get the lips repolished and I was getting $100-$200 per lip. DAMN! That would mean $400-$800 for the set. I bought this set because of the price and I'm not ready to drop some more cash on them. So I read a few forums and dug up some polishing stuff and got to it.

The lips had black marks on them probably from break dust. The clear coat was peeling and there was some oxidization corroding the lips. I basically sanded them from 400 to 600 to 800 to 1000 to 2000 and then wet sanded them 2000 again. Then polished them up and applied some mag shine stuff for aluminum. Then Voila, lips looked close to brand new.

I snapped a couple of pics and thought I'd throw them up to get some opinions.


Before (already stripped clear coat)


After (this was my first try, sanded from 800 to 1000 then polished) they're actually shinier now that i went from 400 - wet sand 2000 and polish.

PART 2!

I just finished polishing them up last night and I thought I'd post an update. I may go over them again with another coat of aluminum shine. But anyways on to the pictures!

Some more pictures of the wheels!


This is what they looked like before


Did a bit to show the difference


All 4 rims done


Finished product minus the tires


THE MOMENT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.


...not really, just a sneak peek for now. I'm doing a photoshoot with my friend today and will post pics when they're ready. SORRY

PART 3...PHOTOSHOOT!

Here's a few pics from the shoot:

 

Nice, bro!

 

good work! are you going to reclear them?

 

Looks awesome dude...How bout some more pics? Real lip too!

 

get a power polisher to finish the job and make the lips shine like crazy. Get some good glaze too and some cutting pads too. That'll take it from 2k wet to mirror shine.

Nice job on the wheels.

 

Nice job brah

 

Good work so far

 

Looks good. Would like to see the larger rear lips when they are done.

 

Thumbs up for a DIY wheel restore!

 

Wheel specs and more pictures please!

 

nice man!

 

Nice work! Can't wait to see them on your car! Oh and full shot of the wheels when they're completely redone!

 

Thanks guys I'll post more pics up when I finish all of them. I was doing some reading and found some product called POR-15 Glisten (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NGB55Y/...25&camp=211189). Apparently if you reclear with this by applying a few coats on your wheels they'll be good as new.

I also bought new center caps from DPE and hopefully they come in before I finish my wheels.

I'll update with more pics soon!

 

Is that stuff going to be better than a urethane clear?

 

Nice!
Can't wait to see it on your ride