Wheel Bolts? What Metal Are They And Would They Rust If Polished?

[toyboata]

Hi all,

While tinkering in the garage - i came across a wheel bolt, which was pretty crudded up, so i cleaned it in gunk cleaner, jet washed it (was to hand), and then....

I cracked out the dremel, with polishing wheel attached, put some auto glym metal polish on there, and polished away...

I ended up with this..

My question is...

Will "polishing" wheel bolts like this - make them RUST???

I notice on normal wheel bolts (for bolting aygo alloys on with) the bolts seem to have some sort of coating/paint on them - is this zinc to protect from rusting, or is it just paint to match the wheel??

Any help much appreciated - dont want go polishing all my wheel bolts to find they all go bright orange ! LOL

(P.S. I have left one in the garden (as its raining) as a test..)

Thanks

Matt

[KPARRIS-JONES]

Hi all,

While tinkering in the garage - i came across a wheel bolt, which was pretty crudded up, so i cleaned it in gunk cleaner, jet washed it (was to hand), and then....

I cracked out the dremel, with polishing wheel attached, put some auto glym metal polish on there, and polished away...

I ended up with this..

My question is...

Will "polishing" wheel bolts like this - make them RUST???

I notice on normal wheel bolts (for bolting aygo alloys on with) the bolts seem to have some sort of coating/paint on them - is this zinc to protect from rusting, or is it just paint to match the wheel??

Any help much appreciated - dont want go polishing all my wheel bolts to find they all go bright orange ! LOL

(P.S. I have left one in the garden (as its raining) as a test..)

Thanks

Matt

I don't think it would rust because they are an alloy as it is (I think)

But grit and normal grime on the roads will always make the shine dull down. ;)

[toyboata]

Hi,

I'm spilt half way.

I think they will rust (hence why i'm testing one)

But, I just dont know.

I am wondering - if to "polish" them to make them "chrome" like, then clean the polish off, and apply this.

This way, i could go ahead and do it, and then "protect" the metal -- only worry is if this Lacquer fails...and orange bolts come back to haunt me!

[toyboata]

...just had a quick look at the test item - it seems to be rusting already, so bad idea!

[KPARRIS-JONES]

If you get them chrome plated, then you'll be fine.

But when stones and what not hit the plating and chip it, then the original metal starts to rust.

So you will have to do it regularly. ;)

[toyboata]

yeh, did have a look at it all, not worth the hassel.

Would only do it if the metal wouldnt rust anyway like - so stainless steel/