From: Dave Shaeffer [blauhai@sprynet.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2001 8:08 PM
To: 928 Owners Club [Public]
Subject: [928OC Public] Go ahead, polish your nuts ...

There as been much discussion lately about chromed and/or polished wheels,
thought I'd mention something that may save those so inclined a few
buckaroos ..... every little but helps. Assuming your original nuts (lug
nut, that is) are in good shape (no severely rounded corners, etc.) they can
be polished to a beautiful mirror shine to match the polished wheels (or as
a nice contrast), and replacement is not necessary. Our very own Kevin Berez
sent me is nuts (lug nuts, that is) to rejuvenate for his new wheels. Here
are some tips for getting the best finish....

Supplies
1) Find something fairly flat, and hard about 1/2 thick with at least one
decent edge/corner. Scrap of aluminum/steel/wood, etc.

2) Find or buy a 2-3" square piece of high density urethane foam, or rubber,
or a flexible sanding block. Should be firm but allow you to press you thumb
into slightly.
3) 400-600 grit sand wet/dry paper.

Process
1) Take a piece of sandpaper soak it in water and a drop our two of dish
soap for a few minutes, wrap it around the flexible block. Keep the water
handy. Take one of the lug nuts, and holding it top (closed end) down rub it
on the sand paper in a figure eight motion, rinsing it, and the paper often.
Do this until all machining marks are gone. Do not use heavy pressure, let
the paper do the work. Change the paper as often as necessary, and save it.
Well used 400 grit becomes very nice 800-1000 grit... ;)

2) One the top is done, soak some fresh paper in the water and place it on
the hard flat "surface plate" Hold the nut flat side against the paper with
threaded end off the edge of the surface plate. Slowly pull (or push,
whichever is most comfortable for you) the lug nut across the paper (one
direction only, as this give a better/more consistent finish) until all
nicks/machine marks are removed, and you're left with a uniform satin
finish. Repeat this for all flats on the lug nuts.
If you'd prefer a satin or brushed finish, stop here.

3) Now it's time for the buffer. Soft loose section wheel, white rouge.
Start with the top of the nut, use a circular motion, as little pressure as
possible, work below the center line of the wheel. Use _lots_  of compound,
rake the wheel _often_. This is the single biggest mistake most folks make
is letting the wheel load up with old compound and bits of metal. You get a
better finish, faster if you're generous with the compound and buff rake.
Repeat for each flat. You should end up with lug nuts that look like triple
chrome. Place some padding around the base of the buffer stand and
surrounding area. Everyone "launches" one eventually. Better that it doesn't
bounce of the concrete. Have fun! Everyone will love your nuts! BTW, I
personally do not polish nuts. I have an assistant for that, her name is
Heidi ...... Yes Heidi, I'll be right there ....

Best always,
Dave
928 Custom Metalworks
http://members.rennlist.com/mechanic/index.html