Rim care help...

mustangsquared

Founding Member

Jun 8, 2002

828

1

16

new bern nc

Mar 31, 2008

#1

• Mar 31, 2008

• #1

I have the 18" "chrome" (actually polished) rims... whats is everyone using to clean/polish them? I thought I read they were clear coated so I have been careful to not use mothers chrome polish on them but rather use wheel safe cleaner to get the dirt/brake dust off and then used a little liquid wax but they are really getting to the point where they need a good cleaning and polishing... suggestions from you car show guys as I know you have a few tricks up your sleeves for those mirror like finishes that you can shave in!!

 

Emay

Member

Oct 4, 2006

228

1

18

South Elgin, IL

Mar 31, 2008

#2

• Mar 31, 2008

• #2

Are you saying the polish is degrading a bit? If that's the case then they are not clear coated. If they are oem wheels they are coated.. aftermarket likely are not.

 

mustangsquared

Founding Member

Jun 8, 2002

828

1

16

new bern nc

Apr 1, 2008

#3

• Apr 1, 2008

• #3

OEM wheels... the 5 blade non-fan style in 18" (reminds me of the old krager wheels)... I am getting a little pitting and the shine is lacking.

 

gashog

Member

Dec 26, 2006

139

0

16

Fresno, CA

Apr 1, 2008

#4

• Apr 1, 2008

• #4

mustangsquared said:

OEM wheels... the 5 blade non-fan style in 18" (reminds me of the old krager wheels)... I am getting a little pitting and the shine is lacking.

Click to expand...

They are painted and coated, just use some wax to bring them to shine again. it takes a little bit of elbow grease, but they look nice after they are finished. I used to do this on my old ride. It makes cleaning brake dust easier too after you wax.

 

A

ARTTII

New Member

Jan 13, 2004

272

2

0

Detroit, MI

Apr 1, 2008

#5

• Apr 1, 2008

• #5

Treat them no different than you would the paint on your car - try and keep them clean and have a coat of wax every once and a while... never use abrasives, that WILL dull them quick (mess up the clear coat)

 

gashog

Member

Dec 26, 2006

139

0

16

Fresno, CA

Apr 2, 2008

#6

• Apr 2, 2008

• #6

ARTTII said:

Treat them no different than you would the paint on your car - try and keep them clean and have a coat of wax every once and a while... never use abrasives, that WILL dull them quick (mess up the clear coat)

Click to expand...

+1

 

mustangsquared

Founding Member

Jun 8, 2002

828

1

16

new bern nc

Apr 3, 2008

#7

• Apr 3, 2008

• #7

The polished rims are painted?? They look chrome... what wax is everyone using? Thanks.

 

mustangsquared

Founding Member

Jun 8, 2002

828

1

16

new bern nc

Apr 3, 2008

#8

• Apr 3, 2008

• #8

double post...havent had my coffee...yet...

 

cowtown

Founding Member

Nov 4, 2001

228

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16

Victoria, BC Canada

Apr 3, 2008

#9

• Apr 3, 2008

• #9

I use simple green to clean and then wax once in a while with some spray detailer to clean them up intermittently or just before shows. I agree though I have some swirls on mine, imagine I'll use some polish and tidy it up this spring.

 

mustangsquared

Founding Member

Jun 8, 2002

828

1

16

new bern nc

Apr 3, 2008

#10

• Apr 3, 2008

• #10

Yeap, I have the swirls and I have a little white crap... looks like glue but no idea where it came from that I am trying to get off.

 

gashog

Member

Dec 26, 2006

139

0

16

Fresno, CA

Apr 3, 2008

#11

• Apr 3, 2008

• #11

Careful using simple green, that stuff is really potent. It might strip the coating off those wheels.

To start, I would just get some dish soap (with degreaser) and cut whatever crap is on the wheels off, then take some regular car wax (whatever you use). I bought some really hard wax and just take one of those powerballs to buff it and clean it up.

 

mustangsquared

Founding Member

Jun 8, 2002

828

1

16

new bern nc

Apr 3, 2008

#12

• Apr 3, 2008

• #12

good call on the power ball... forgot I had one.