I scored a set of new alcoas recently on craigslist that were supposed to be 4 fronts, but were 2 fronts and two rears. I picked up another 3 used also on CL.

First, it is my understanding that the difference in between the front and rear stock number is which side the polish is on. correct me if I am wrong.

The three used ones and the two rears will all need to be polished.

Before I get started just curious if there are any tips or products to make it easy. I have always been a Mothers mag and aluminum polish fan (it works wonders on old (FACTORY) faded paint btw), but is there anything that works better? Does anyone know if they clear coated the wheels at the factory? Will I need to strip clearcoat first?

Thanks in advance.

Yes, the front and rears differ only by the side that is polished. They were not clear coated at the factory. I'm sure there are many favorite ways to polish them but i've had good results with any aluminum polish and a power buffer. Alcoa also sells a kit that works well.

I'm old and confused but when I rotate my Alcoas all 7 are polished on one side only. Do I have 7 fronts or 7 rears?

Take a look at a product called Nyalic.

Quite an ordeal for application - but I did it over a year ago and my wheels look like new. And all I ever do is hose them off.

Steve W
1973 23'
Southern California