Pitted alloy rims.

[Bruno_c]

The alloy rims of my recently bought 1978 650 xs are deeply pitted.
Any idea how to clean and give them an acceptable aspect.
I do not look for a "concours" look , only a clean aspect
Thanks in advance.
Bruno

 

[gggGary]

First you need to get the tires off and look inside. Aluminum corrosion CAN be bad enough to weaken the wheel, I've had to toss a couple "too far gone" wheels through the years.
While I'm a big fan of Dico wheels for deep aluminum cleaning I like these type for working pitted wheels.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/333923682498?hash=item4dbf6708c2:g:EAsAAOSwsOFgUb5-

A fairly thin wheel will get down in the "gutter", that tends to be the worst part. While most of the these are designed for angle grinders I kind a like a variable speed electric drill for better control. I've shop built adapters using bolts, nuts, washers etc to chuck angle grinder pads into drills.

 

[Bruno_c]

Thank you for the answer. I will give a try to theese polishing wheels. But first, I think I will use a steel wire wheel to remove most of the oxyde.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Thank you for the answer. I will give a try to theese polishing wheels. But first, I think I will use a steel wire wheel to remove most of the oxyde.

Steel isn’t a good choice for aluminum. Whatever gets embedded in there will give you trouble later. It will cause galvanic corrosion.

 

[gggGary]

Don't know your project goal and budget but if the rims are that bad, the spokes are hopeless, the thin plating long gone. Aftermarket stainless spokes and a wider rim are a very nice upgrade to the skinny 70's 1.85 rim. I like a 2.15 or 2.50 width with a 100-90 tire but have gone to a 3.00 x 18 and 110/80/18 tire on my favorite riding bike. That one is a snug fit, if you look closely you can see I lowered the fender.
with a 2.15 19 _________________________ with a 3.00 x 18

 

[Bruno_c]

GggGary,
your bike looks stunning.
Unfortunately, mine is a mongrel, closer to the junkyard than to the showroom.
I am trying to put it in running condition and not to be shamed of when riding it.
Anyway, the spokes are decent. I am more concerned by the hub that is pitted and difficult to clean.
By luck there are two disks so you don't see it very much.

 

[gggGary]

Yes hubs are very hard to clean up without taking the wheel apart.