Fox Mustang Magazine Issue 8 | Page 54

6 7 With the back handled, we turn our attention toward the spokes. Scratches and pits are smoothed out with a gray Scotch Brite pad. It’s equivalent to around 1,000-grit sandpaper. Wet-sand all surfaces, and be thorough. Those replacement wheels are looking better all the time. 8 Be on the lookout for damage like chipped paint and pry marks caused by removing the center caps with improper pry tools. They have to be smoothed out. Careful prep is what makes the difference between a good job and a great job. 9 Here’s the goal: all visible damage is corrected, and all surfaces have been cleaned, wet sanded, and rinsed. Some curb rash was sanded smooth. It’s OK to dry off the wheel with clean compressed air. For the priming stage, the lug nut area is taped off. 54 FOXMustangMagazine.com The inner flange is also taped off with 6-inch paper. Areas that will not be seen don’t need the same meticulous prep. Even though it won’t show, the bead area needs cleaning, too, to make a good seal with the tire.