Cleaning wheels
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Shelby Twp MI
Cleaning wheels
The Polished Aluminum wheels on my '99 coupe are really dirty (they look like they were neglected by the previous owner). Any tips on what to use on them? I was told it's pretty easy to 'damage' the finish. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
They are clear coated and must be treated the way you treat the paint on your car....
Carwash soap
Clay bar
Paint sealant.
IF they are really bad when they are cool spray with a 1 part Simple Green, 3 parts water soution, let soak for 2-3 minutes, brush and rinse well.
Repeat if necessary.
BUT if the clear is damaged I advise against Simple Green as it can oxidize some alloys, as can many commercial wheel cleaning products.
Carwash soap
Clay bar
Paint sealant.
IF they are really bad when they are cool spray with a 1 part Simple Green, 3 parts water soution, let soak for 2-3 minutes, brush and rinse well.
Repeat if necessary.
BUT if the clear is damaged I advise against Simple Green as it can oxidize some alloys, as can many commercial wheel cleaning products.
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As mentioned they are clearcoated. A good washing with soap and water, followed by claybar and a good wax should have them looking good again.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 205
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my 1st question would be are they really polished? If its a 99 they didnt come with the polished wheels as an option. If they are the thin spokes then the previous owner could have put factory polished thin spokes on the car or they could have put chrome aftermarket thin spokes on or you could have the chrome wagon wheels. If you have the factory polished wheels the previous advice is all you need. If they are chrome then chrome polish is your friend.
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 723
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From: MOTOWN / Fort Dix NJ MI
you can pick up a set of nice looking chrome vette rims for 600.. I would go with them before having your rims refinished or something like that
I'm about to grab some ZR1 wheels in the Spring... I have some perfect chrome zo6 wheels 18X9 front and 18 X10.5 in the back they are two years old mostly garage kept
I'm going let them go cheap
I'm about to grab some ZR1 wheels in the Spring... I have some perfect chrome zo6 wheels 18X9 front and 18 X10.5 in the back they are two years old mostly garage kept
I'm going let them go cheap
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