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Polished wheel help

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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 01:27 AM
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Default Polished wheel help

I would like to know if its possible to bring a shine to the polished wheels on my car. They seem to look very dull, and upon closer inspection are stained pretty badly. From what I understand these can be brought to a shine. Ive searched the board and nuthin Ive found has been helpful yet.
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 07:56 AM
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If they are the factory wheels, they are clearcoated and to improve the shine, you would need to remove the clear then polish the wheels. Can be done, just not sure of the price. There are products out there that will strip the clear off (Ecklers sells some), but have never used them myself.
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 09:35 AM
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Adam's #2 wheel polish not their #1 that is for wheels that are not clear coated.I talked to someone at the company and that is the one they recommend for the polished aluminum wheels i have on my car.
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 09:42 AM
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I've used the Eastwood product on my C4 and they work great...takes some time but with a little patience, the results can be amazing'

http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/s...1&keyword=tbu4
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 01:53 PM
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Originally Posted by jasons0147
I would like to know if its possible to bring a shine to the polished wheels on my car. They seem to look very dull, and upon closer inspection are stained pretty badly. From what I understand these can be brought to a shine. Ive searched the board and nuthin Ive found has been helpful yet.
I'd suggest contacting the (aftermarket?) manufacturer of the wheels (polish only or polish/clear coat) for their advice.
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by hotwheels57
I'd suggest contacting the (aftermarket?) manufacturer of the wheels (polish only or polish/clear coat) for their advice.
My wheels are stock thin spokes, maybe Im wrong and there not polished. You guys tell me.
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 05:52 PM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
If they are the factory wheels, they are clearcoated and to improve the shine, you would need to remove the clear then polish the wheels. Can be done, just not sure of the price. There are products out there that will strip the clear off (Ecklers sells some), but have never used them myself.


As JDs00PewterCoupe said there is indeed a clear coat of your wheels. What I like to do when i wax/polish my car I go over them with the applicator and then buff it out with a new microfiber towel. It gives them a pretty good shine.
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 06:12 PM
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Chances are during their lifetime, the previous owner(s) did not take good care of the wheels (wrong cleaners, abrasive car washes, road salt, etc) and the clear coat might be degraded. I've seen wheels degraded to the point where very little clear coat is actually left on the wheel, which allows the aluminum to oxidize (fog/turn white).
The clear coat can be removed DIY, but it's a messy job. I've done it with aircraft grade paint remover available from paint supply vendors. Then you can polish them with varying grades of extra fine grit sandpaper, machine polish, etc. It's a very tedious job, sometimes best left to professionals with the equipment.
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 09:58 PM
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Just have a new clear coat applied.

Looks great.

125.00 per rim.
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