aluminum wheel oxidation removal?

[Lynn]

It is kind of like polishing deep scratches out of glass. There is material that is missing. Even though it is not deep, you have no choice but to remove the material around each place that is etched to get it even.

There is an alternative. I had some aluminum valve covers with light etching like that. I sandblasted them (very low pressure) to give the surface a more uniform look, then painted with high heat ceramic engine paint (aluminum color) and baked them in the oven at 400 degrees. They still look good today.

Assuming the wheels are dead true, it is possible for a really good lathe operator to re-machine that area taking off just a few thou. But, you probably only get one chance.

Personally, I think I would follow Crush's advice, and just leave them as is. JMHO, but not everything has to be perfect. Some patina just proves it is vintage. In the antique world, some things are ruined once restored.