Polishing the 18" Alum.?

08blueskunk

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May 8, 2008

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Maine

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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??

 

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blbrchnk

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Bridgeport, WV

Jul 1, 2008

#2

• Jul 1, 2008

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08blueskunk said:

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??

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

 

08blueskunk

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May 8, 2008

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

 

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blackgt460

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South East Pennsylvania

Jul 1, 2008

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• Jul 1, 2008

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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

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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

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Aug 3, 2006

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08blueskunk said:

I read 409 cleans wheels great and leaves no residue behind

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

 

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frankie_b11

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Apr 1, 2009

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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

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

 

V8JamesGT

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Jan 22, 2006

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Apr 1, 2009

#9

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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

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Feb 19, 2009

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NJ - Exit 165

Apr 1, 2009

#10

• Apr 1, 2009

• #10

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

"STANGNET'S PENGUIN SMACKER"

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Apr 1, 2009

#11

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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

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Mar 20, 2009

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Circleville, Ohio

Apr 1, 2009

#12

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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

 

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Wind-Farmer

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Sep 2, 2008

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Minnesota

Apr 2, 2009

#13

• Apr 2, 2009

• #13

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

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Oct 28, 2008

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Altoona, IA

Apr 2, 2009

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• Apr 2, 2009

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

 

garbledwords

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Nothern VA

Apr 6, 2009

#15

• Apr 6, 2009

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Steel Horse said:

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

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Now that is nice.