1981 - 1990 Corvette: Service Bulletin: Procedures on Scuff/Scratch Removal from Clear Coat on Aluminum Wheels

Subject: Procedures on Scuff/Scratch Removal from Clear Coat on Aluminum Wheels
Model and Year:

1981-85 Citation
1982-90 Cavalier
1985-88 Monte Carlo
1981-90 Caprice, Camaro, Corvette
1985-90 Celebrity
1990 Lumina

Source: Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin
Bulletin No: 90-321-3E
Corporate Bulletin No: 010103
Section: 3E
Date: August, 1990

TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS

The clear coat on aluminum wheels can become scuffed and dull if the car is exposed to frequent automatic car washes with aggressive tire brushes.

Following are procedures for polishing out minor scuffs and scratches from the clear coat on aluminum wheels.

Outlined are three basic procedures which progress from least aggressive (A) to most aggressive (C) depending on the degree of scufffs or scratches in the clear coat.

A. Condition - Minor surface scuffs and scratches. Procedure:

Clean the wheel surface with soap and water and dry thoroughly.
Clean the wheel with 3M general purpose adhesive cleaner, P/N 08984, or equivalent and dry.
Apply 3M finesse-it finishing material, P/N 05928, or equivalent to the affected area and polish using a 3M superbuff polishing pad, P/N 05705, or equivalent on a low speed polisher (1500-2300 rpm’s).
Begin with firm pressure on the polisher in the beginning and gradually reduce pressure as the finishing material begins to dry up.
Apply a coat of 3M liquid polish, P/N 05939 or 05993, or equivalent to protect the clear coat.

B. Condition - More significant scuffs and dulling not removed during procedure. Procedure:

Perform steps 1 and 2 from procedure A.
Apply 3M imperial microfinishing compound, P/N 06011, or equivalent and buff with a 3M superbuff compounding pad, P/N 05701, or equivalent on a low speed polisher. A second application may be necessary.
Inspect wheel finish. If scuffs and dulling have been removed, proceed to step 4; if not, proceed to procedure C.
Finish polishing the wheel with 3M finesse-it finishing material, P/N 05928, or equivalent and a superbuff polishing pad, P/N 05705, or equivalent on a low speed buffer.
Apply a coat of 3M liquid polish, P/N 05939 or 05993, or equivalent to protect clear coat.

C. Condition - Very significant dulling, scratches, scuffs which have not penetrated through the clear coat.

Clean wheel with soap and water and dry.
Clean with 3M general purpose adhesive cleaner, P/N 08984, or equivalent.
Wet sand the affected area with 3M imperial wet-or-dry paper grade 1500 on a #20 sponge pad, P/N 05526, or equivalent.
Occasionally squeegee away the water and check progress. Stop sanding when an even dull appearance is reached.
Polish the clear coat to a high gloss using 3M finesse-it finishing material, P/N 05928, or equivalent with a 3M superbuff polishing pad, P/N 05705, or equivalent on a low speed polisher (1500-2300 rpm’s).
Apply a coat of 3M liquid polish, P/N 05939 or 05993, or equivalent to protect clear coat.

NOTE: The following tips will result in an improved appearance when polishing or buffing:

Begin with firm pressure and reduce pressure as the polish or compound begins to dry.
Do not polish with a dry pad. Use enough material to keep the surface wet.
Use extreme caution when polishing or buffing sharp corners or contours to avoid burning the clear coat. Hand rubbing may be necessary.