Polishing the 18" Alum.?

[08blueskunk]

My 08 came with the polished 18" aluminum wheels, but I want that chrome mirror look to them. They are shiny but have kind of a cloudy look, not damaged but not mirror shine. I am thinking some Mother or Meguires aluminum polish and a power ball applicator for my drill? anyone tried this? any advice??

 

[blbrchnk]

My 08 came with the polished 18" aluminum wheels, but I want that chrome mirror look to them. They are shiny but have kind of a cloudy look, not damaged but not mirror shine. I am thinking some Mother or Meguires aluminum polish and a power ball applicator for my drill? anyone tried this? any advice??

I tried the powerball and personally didn't care for it much. It just seemed too bulky to use.

 

[08blueskunk]

Anyone tried the polishes? Will they get the look i am going for or are we talking days of rubbing by hand?

 

[blackgt460]

I could be wrong but I think I read that those wheels have a clear coat on them because I have the same wheels and problem with the cloudiness. Not sure if polish would do much if there is a coating on them, I used Mcguires wheel cleaner on mine and they look good leaving no spots etc.

 

[08blueskunk]

yeah i read that most "polished alum." is clear coated but it was talking about motorcycle parts not wheels.

Could the problem be in the clearcoat? maybe the wheels have a mirror finish but the clear coat is what is messed up? the car is brand new so they havn't been exposed to the elements very long.

I read 409 cleans wheels great and leaves no residue behind

 

[jay07]

I read 409 cleans wheels great and leaves no residue behind

I'd be worried about it removing the clearcoat since 409 is a degreaser.

 

[frankie_b11]

Your wheels do have a clear coat over them. I have the same wheels and verified it with the dealer. use a regular car wax or polish and they will shine. They do get a little cloudy though.

I use the mothers mini powerball, that is the best. smaller and works great. Makes quick work of those wheels.

 

[NastyStang113]

I'm sure the factory wheels are clear-coated. Do not try to polish them with polishes made for bare metals ...

 

[V8JamesGT]

Whats a good degreaser/brake dust cleaner thats safe for aluminum rims? I have tons of brake dust on mine that doesn't want to come off.

 

[T N T]

You won't get that chrome look from the polished aluminum ones. That is a different look, all together... "that is a different look" Trade them for some chrome ones before you kill yourself trying to make them more polishierrr.

*EXTRA CREDIT: Tell me if you know that movie I referenced

 

[VibrantRedGT]

Could always remove the clear coat. Wet Sand them with high grit, polish them and respray clear coat. I've thought about it. Just too busy to do so.

 

[06bluegt]

clean them real good and use a car wax on them and then take windex automotive window cleaner and wipe them down then they look and shine great

 

[Wind-Farmer]

All cleaners for wheels are pretty much terrible for them, BUT I have heard citris degreasers are pretty reasonable.

Go take a 5 gallon bucket to the bathtub and get some warm water if you need too, and you'll be fine!

Warm water FTW!

 

[Steel Horse]

If you want the chrome look tire rack sells 18" chrome SVT Bullitts.

 

[garbledwords]

If you want the chrome look tire rack sells 18" chrome SVT Bullitts.

Now that is nice.