Wheel polishing question...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
Wheel polishing question...
I have the polished aluminum wheels and I am thinking about polishing them up... but I don't know if they have a clear coat on them or not. What it the best way to care for the polished aluminum wheels?
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 366
Likes: 0
From: 500HP FRC feels really good... NY
Lots of posts on this via search, but short answer starts with a question - are they dull / badly tarnished / scratched? If they're really bad, you're looking at some serious sanding and then two or three step polishing with various products. If they're in decent shape, you can use several products to put a good shine on them. I personally use something called White Diamond metal polish that I get from a motorcycle shop. Flitz works well, mild polishing compound, etc... lots of choices. Make sure they're not clear coated first!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
The polished factory wheels ARE clear coated. Don't use any abrasive type of aluminum & mag. wheel polish on them.
Use only "clearcoat safe" car polishes or waxes.
This past winter I took my wheels off for a good cleaning and polishing,and discovered two cracked spokes on the left rear.
Keep a close watch for cracks on C5 polished thin spokes.
Use only "clearcoat safe" car polishes or waxes.
This past winter I took my wheels off for a good cleaning and polishing,and discovered two cracked spokes on the left rear.
Keep a close watch for cracks on C5 polished thin spokes.
Last edited by Quicksilver Vert 01; Jun 11, 2008 at 12:46 PM. Reason: watch for cracks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
They are factory wheels... so I am guessing they are clear coated... does anyone do anything to the stock polished wheels other than wash them? Does a waxing do any good?
Also, when washing the wheels, is there a good way to clean the inside of the wheels (behind the spokes)? the back wheels are not as much a problem because the calipers are not that big, but the front calipers make it hard to clean this area.
Also, when washing the wheels, is there a good way to clean the inside of the wheels (behind the spokes)? the back wheels are not as much a problem because the calipers are not that big, but the front calipers make it hard to clean this area.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
Great info guys... thx for all the input. I guess I will try using the same polish that I use on the rest of the car since they are clear coated. I don't know how often I will be able to pull the wheels to clean them, but that is a good idea as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 65,010
Likes: 133
From: Title town, Champs live here.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
If you take your time you can clean the barrels, you will have to move the car slightly a couple of times, be prepared to scratch the he!! out of you wrists and forearms though
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
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From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I put a paint stirring stick inside a wash mitt to clean the wheel barrels. It works great except for the front near the calipers. You have to move the car a bit then get that area.
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10,805
Likes: 706
From: Feverish All Over
They are factory wheels... so I am guessing they are clear coated... does anyone do anything to the stock polished wheels other than wash them? Does a waxing do any good?
Also, when washing the wheels, is there a good way to clean the inside of the wheels (behind the spokes)? the back wheels are not as much a problem because the calipers are not that big, but the front calipers make it hard to clean this area.
Also, when washing the wheels, is there a good way to clean the inside of the wheels (behind the spokes)? the back wheels are not as much a problem because the calipers are not that big, but the front calipers make it hard to clean this area.
Of course they are now unfinished, but I find the maintenance is not bad - I use metal polish about once a month (at most) and wax them a couple of times a year.
You can PM me for more details if you need them
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 15
From: Ga
You can tell if they have clear coat this way. Take a small bit of aluminum polish and rub gently. If the polish turns black, then no clear coat and you have a true polished wheel. Polish away using a powerball, works great. If not, windex, or any clear coat safe wax works pretty good.
As for washing behind the spokes, I use a wire wheel brush and plenty of soap and water. You can get them at Harbor Frieight for about $5.00 -- worth every penny.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee FL
You guys are awesome... I am getting sooo much good information from this forum. I really appreciate the advice from experienced Vette owners. I can't wait till I can start giving back.
