C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Never doing that again

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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:46 PM
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Default Never doing that again

Well, My C-3 came in on Sunday. It was a mess. I cleaned the inside of the back window, What a PITA. I thought my C-5 was tuff. Its an 81 with with aluminum wheels. What do you guys use to clean those wheels?
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:57 PM
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Originally the 80-82 aluminum wheels came polished and clear coated from the factory. The clear coating didn't last long resulting in a spotty looking finish. Most owners removed what's left of the clear and re-polished the wheels. Any good aluminum wheel polish (Mothers, etc.) and a little elbow grease will really bring your wheels to life.

Yeah, and right, that rear window is a pain to clean. I have an 81 I bought new and have hated cleaning that window for the last 27 years.

Enjoy your new toy!
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 04:13 PM
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Mothers also makes the power ball thats perfect for your rims.

http://www.motherspowerball.com/

And the Mothers billet polish for the finish is excellent

Last edited by rayluka; Sep 29, 2008 at 04:19 PM.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by rayluka
Mothers also makes the power ball thats perfect for your rims.

http://www.motherspowerball.com/

And the Mothers billet polish for the finish is excellent

Power ball and mothers worked for me!
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 05:06 PM
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Coke is the best thing to clean chrome. Its actually better than chrome cleaner. Cant be diet & cant be off brand. Gotta be real coca cola. A 2 liter bottle will make a big difference in how much elbow grease you use. Just spray off with water when you're done so its not sticky.

Not sure how well this trick will work on aluminum but couldn't hurt to try.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by gbvette62
Originally the 80-82 aluminum wheels came polished and clear coated from the factory. The clear coating didn't last long resulting in a spotty looking finish. Most owners removed what's left of the clear and re-polished the wheels. Any good aluminum wheel polish (Mothers, etc.) and a little elbow grease will really bring your wheels to life.

Yeah, and right, that rear window is a pain to clean. I have an 81 I bought new and have hated cleaning that window for the last 27 years.

Enjoy your new toy!
Thanks, I did try the motheres stuff today with a scrub pad, I didnt use the ball dead battert on the drill. Im thinking a good wet sanding with some 1000 or maybe have them chromed and cleared, So easy to clean.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 08:25 PM
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You can probably buy chrome replacements for much less than having your wheels chromed. Plus there aren't any good tires these days for the 15" wheels. You may want to consider going to 17 or 18" wheels at least to enhance your tire options. Or get a new battery for the drill. Some guys on the forum have had good success with the powerball on the oem wheels.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 09:51 PM
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I used a fine scotch pad on mine and then the power ball.Came out like new.
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Old Sep 30, 2008 | 12:43 PM
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Took the advice of others on my 81 with Crager alum. wheels. Airplane stripper to loosen the old clear coat. Then elbow grease. Works pretty good. I also used a 600 grit wet dry paper with 3-1 oil to remove what looked like spots left in the metal. Then polished all as well as I could. They look 100% better.
Chuck
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