I needed to polish my wheel centers since I am using my stock 14" wheels, which have been stripped and polished.
I was fortunate to find a washer, 3/8" bolt, and threaded insert also 3/8" at the hardware store which all worked perfectly. (I had a nut on hand) The washer is: 1 3/4" outside diameter and the ID is 15/16". The threaded nut was slightly large so after cutting off the bolt head I attached it to the bolt and filed it down as it spun in the drill press.
After getting a snug fit I inserted it into the washer being certain it was a flat as possible checking for run out in a drill. Then I JB Welded the two parts together.
Today I polished a wheel center. It took about an hour to get the proper sequence of wet sanding and scotch pad application to achieve the right finish, or as what I think looks right.
These will need a clear coat since even handling them will disturb the finish. One problem is if there are dents in the aluminum cap, then sanding them out on a flat surface is required prior to using the mandrel. Sometimes the dents will not come out. I have one like that.
Works great for under $2.00, with labor $202.00 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sparx22
[This message has been edited by sparx22 (edited 04-30-2009).]
