2 and 3 piece wheel bolt restoration

[gen2_4door]

I'm working on restoring my Kinesis bolts. I plan on polishing them like this but I'm worried about them getting rusty and tarnishing again. Am I just better off in the long run powdercoating them?

[vasillalov]

Where do you get the tool for the bolt heads? The start pattern thing? Is it just a regular 12 or 14 point socket?

[electricalbox]

Where do you get the tool for the bolt heads? The start pattern thing? Is it just a regular 12 or 14 point socket?

It varies, but most wheels (like these) use 8mm or 10mm 12pt sockets for the bolt heads. The nuts will usually use 10mm or 12mm 6&12 pt sockets. Some companies use a 8mm or 10mm 10pt tool (such as OZ) these can be bought on ebay or on forums, no standard car parts store will carry it.

[vasillalov]

electrcalbox,

Thanks for your response. I just got my very first set of 3-pc wheels. CCWs with ARP bolts:

What tool do I need for these:

[frink84]

looks like a 12-point. go measure it!

[gen2_4door]

Well I've been attempting to do the same bolt restoration and just can't seem to come out with the same results. I'm having trouble getting the areas between the points to polish. Any ideas or help would be MUCH appreciated. Here's a couple snaps of what I've got going...

[Randomofodication]

those valleys between the points look a lot deeper... lots of sos pad might help, seemed to get in between the points fairly well for me. if you have a dremel handy that could probably get in there, would take a long time tho.

only other thing I can think of is maybe soak them in something like clr or coke and hope it softens that gunk up and hit them again

hope that helps

[ToPLeSS(e30)FienD]

those valleys between the points look a lot deeper... lots of sos pad might help, seemed to get in between the points fairly well for me. if you have a dremel handy that could probably get in there, would take a long time tho.

only other thing I can think of is maybe soak them in something like clr or coke and hope it softens that gunk up and hit them again

hope that helps

im not too sure i spotted this in this thread or the other but it seems like vinegar works wonders. mine have been soaking for a week come tomorrow but im sure less time will have similar results. i will post pics in the A.M.

[scaredofstance]

good thread.

[gen2_4door]

I may have to try the coke or vinegar soak. Cause I Damn near wore out my drill rubbing the hell out of them with the SOS pads and steel wool and only got 7 out of 160 to come out even this well. The soak is next....

[Icana4dit]

just use a rock tumbler

[SeeClass]

This is my 5 step process

1. If bolts aren't chrome I dip them in "the works" ( blue bottle )
2. rinse in HOT water with salt
3. Dip them in Naval Jelly to remove extra rust
4. rinse them in HOT water again
5. Dry and clear them so they won't rust again

[gen2_4door]

So what is "the works" consist of? I've now tried a tarnish remover just cause I had it sitting around and still nothing. I need to try a rock tumbler or find someone that does it. I have no idea where to start looking locally for someone that does it. hmm

[lbarstad]

Hi!

How about electroplating the bolts? Anyone tried it? Should keep the rust away.

http://www.eastwood.com/specialty-coatings/electroplating.html

Regards Lars

[SeeClass]

So what is "the works" consist of?

It's hydrochloric acid, it will eat through chrome. You can neutralize it with salt and then rinse the bolts with hot water. ALWAYS use gloves btw.