Hey guys,

I got two questions!

First, now that my RX-8 is on the rims for the winter, I'd like to get my original 18" mags polished to get them to have a "chrome" look.

How's that ? I mean : is it a good idea (I really don't know anything about mag polishing)...
Would it reduce their durability... or their resistance ? would it make them more subject to rust?

And also, how much could it cost ? (please let me know if the prices are in US$ or CAN$).


Something else now : I wanna get a remote starter (once again, of course, for my RX-8)

The dealer said that is was not "recommended"... he said that sometimes (especially when it gets pretty cold) the RX-8 could start a little after the first few seconds... you just hold the key a little longer... but a remote starter couldn't do that... and that's why he kinda told me it was really not a good idea...

But what about you guys ? I mean I live in Quebec (Canada) and it gets pretty cold here sometimes... I'm getting tired to wait beside or in my car until it warms up... any of you have a remote starter ? Did you have any problem ? Do you have any brand to recommend me ?


Thanks !!!


UgE

 

Polishing removes the clear coat. Bare metal needs to be 'rubbed' regularly with metal polish to prevent spotting, ...... Any exposure to salt is a killer to the finish. I had my stock wheels polished on 2 other cars and loved the result (ran winters so the salt issue wasn't a factor, and I am a clean freak so they were always rubbed on). If you aren't a cleaning fanatic, I wouldn't do it (go for chrome if you want a shiny finish).
*It's been a few years, but I'd guess around $100 per wheel.

 

Did my own -

DIY...

Polisher wanted $130 (Can) each.

Bought some used, total finished cost = $70 each.

S

 

Ok so there is an alternative !

I mean : I don't know much about all that... in fact, basically I want a chrome look on my wheels... I thought polishing them would be the only way but could you explain me what you meant by :

[QUOTE=TCZ]go for chrome if you want a shiny finish[QUOTE]


Thanks !!

 

Chroming is a different process (involves multi stages of dipping, ...). Much more expensive, but a bit easier to maintain. The finish is also a bit 'blue' in color; polishing looks almost like sterling silver.

 

I installed an alarm last week but told the guy not to connect the remote start for the same reason. Some times it takes a little longer than 1-2 seconds of cranking to start her up so you could flood the engine and secondly being a manual you could risk starting up with a gear in.

 

chroming adds weight, and i'm of the mindset that you don't want heavy wheels. negatively affects acceleration, braking, and handling. but that's just me

also, these aren't mag wheels. mag is short for magnesium. there are a set of mazdaspeed mag wheels available. they are ~16lbs (7.3kg) each (as opposed to the ~25lbs (11.3kg) for the stock aluminum). they are also $1700us each.

i'd say if you want polished rims, do the pay to have them stripped/polished/sealed, or do the DIY that was posted above.