Scored a set of aftermarket slots for the Jeep (Pic of open end center cap added)

[Chrome]

I got a call from a friend this morning about a set of 6 lug aluminum wheels he pulled from a FSJ. He said he wasn't gonna use them and told me to stop by and make him a offer for them. When I first saw them I was thinking factory slots but after a closer look I noticed they were uni lug plus they are 15x8. They were almost dark grey from neglect so I offered $50 and brought them home. It took a couple of hours on the first wheel but with some help from the DA sander and some good ole hand rubbing they turned out nicely. Also, now I can use the NOS center caps I've had sitting on a shelf for the past 5 years. :D



Before

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr177/Chromeanator/104_2404.jpg








After

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr177/Chromeanator/104_2405.jpg

[jaber]

Thats a hub cap style I hadn't seen before. Those are nice!:thumbsup:

[krek]

You suck! :thumbsup:

[Chrome]

Thats a hub cap style I hadn't seen before. Those are nice!:thumbsup:

I've seen them on late 70 and early 80 model Jeeps. My 82 Cherokee has them on white wagon wheels and I bought a used set that came off a 79 Wagoneer with chrome wagon wheels. The later style caps mounted with a screw from the front side where these mount with a long bolt from the back side.

[addicted]

I've seen them on late 70 and early 80 model Jeeps. My 82 Cherokee has them on white wagon wheels and I bought a used set that came off a 79 Wagoneer with chrome wagon wheels. The later style caps mounted with a screw from the front side where these mount with a long bolt from the back side.

Had an '82 Wagoneer with factory steel wagon wheels that had those center caps on it, no where near as nice though.

[HD_JEEP]

Look almost NOS. Thanks for sharing. Someday maybe I could score something real nice for a little cash.


Lucky lucky lucky....:eek:

[jeepskater433]

now for the million dollar question...........what are you going to put them on?

[The PIG Smith]

You suck! :thumbsup:
X2

[Geminiroq]

Nice score!!

What was the process that you used to bring them back to life?

Thank you....

[Chrome]

now for the million dollar question...........what are you going to put them on?

It's a toss up between the 83 and 82 Cherokees. I was planning on going with American Racing Chambers in either chrome or aluminum finish but this might suit the look I'm after for the 83.

[jeepskater433]

It's a toss up between the 83 and 82 Cherokees. I was planning on going with American Racing Chambers in either chrome or aluminum finish but this might suit the look I'm after for the 83.

sounds good, whatever you choose post pics of it, American Racing Chambers wouldnt be a bad choice either, im thinkin about putting those on my wrangler, jus teflon coated

[Chrome]

Nice score!!

What was the process that you used to bring them back to life?

Thank you....

First, it was a oribital DA sander I used. Was a little excited after looking at shiney stuff and forgot to add that. I started off with 120 grit velcro back paper. I worked the entire surface until all scratches, dimples, and nicks were gone. You have to make sure you keep the sander moving in a wide area otherwise it can make a deep impression in the aluminum especially with coarse grit paper. Be sure to look at the surface closely for small dimples and scratches. You can give the surface a light dusting with black paint before sanding to help find these spots during the sanding process.

Once the surface is smooth to your liking swap over to 320 velcro backed DA and sand the entire area again. Now go to 600 grit velcro back. This part I did by hand to eliminate hard sand areas that can be caused by too much pressure on sander. Mix up a spray bottle filled with water and a cap full of dish washing liquid. Keep the area wet while sanding and cover the entire area once again. By now the surface should have a semi-satin finish.

Now swap over to 2,000 grit velcro back and water sand entire surface again. Now for the last of the sanding swap to 4,000 grit and....yes...yes...wet sand the S.O.B. one more time.

Now you're done with the sanding. The surface should have a semi-glossy shine to it. Use a good aluminum polish and a soft cloth to bring out the final shine. If you have a film on the surface after you wipe off the polish try using glass cleaner and a soft cloth to remove any streaks or black residue.

The whole process will take roughly 2 hours for each wheel depending on the condition of the wheel. The good part about this process is factory wheels and many after market ones are machined which leaves grooves in the surface. By sanding the wheel you eliminate virtually all imperfections on the surface leaving it with a glass like surface. :D

[wickedwagon767]

Oh my god:eek:

nice

[grand_wag_85]

Thats a hub cap style I hadn't seen before. Those are nice!:thumbsup:

X2

[Chrome]

Something else concerning the center caps I thought was cool is the front caps are open end for access to the hubs. The AMC folks musta supplied some good beer for their designer guys. :D

[Casey]

:thumbsup: Good score!

Nice work they look great!

[NVJEEPER]

Man them sure came to life! that flat edge of the slot is cool looking. Them caps are NICE, so the open is factory hmmm. Was thinking of cutting the end open on some...may not need to.

[Chrome]

Here's one with the open slot.....


http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr177/Chromeanator/104_2406.jpg

[Geeeep]

I just cleaned up a set of factory 5 slots (can't say polished after seeing yours). After having a could of Qtrac equipped Jeeps I laughed too at the open ended center caps. I wish Jeep would have made a removable cap to access the lockout's.

Something else concerning the center caps I thought was cool is the front caps are open end for access to the hubs. The AMC folks musta supplied some good beer for their designer guys. :D

[fulsizjeep]

Sharp wheels and nice work Scott! :thumbsup:

[Chrome]

Thanks Flint! Just curious, did Krista come home singing...or uh...clucking a classic song yesterday? :D

[fulsizjeep]

Thanks Flint! Just curious, did Krista come home singing...or uh...clucking a classic song yesterday? :DShe sent me a cryptic email with no attachment. I am not sure I want to know... :D