Keeping Chrome Wheels looking good...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
Keeping Chrome Wheels looking good...
I'm about to install chrome C6 wheels on my C5. I haven't had chrome wheels since the Cragar days of the late 60s on my GTO. What's the best advice to keep them clean, shiny, and new. I know you guys will have the best advice. Zuti 
Race Director
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I use Meguiar's NXT Chrome polish - in between I wipe them down with Meguiar's Final Inspection. I think chrome is about one of the easiest finishes to keep looking sharp!
The problem with Windex is it has ammonia, and if you have any wax on the wheels (which is a good idea, BTW) - the ammonia takes it all off.
JMHO, of course!
The problem with Windex is it has ammonia, and if you have any wax on the wheels (which is a good idea, BTW) - the ammonia takes it all off.
JMHO, of course!
Race Director
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From: I love you & miss you Linda
2017 C7 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Contributor
I use use a paste wax on mine. Turtle Wax, real inexpensive stuff but it protects the finish and looks great.
FYI: My car is one that is garage kept and NEVER sees bad weather so, maybe some of the replies above might be better for cars that see bad weather.
FYI: My car is one that is garage kept and NEVER sees bad weather so, maybe some of the replies above might be better for cars that see bad weather.
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Windex is By far the best thing you can use on chrome wheels.. Ive been using it for years( 30 years ) on my chrome wheels.. Polish of any kind is the worst. My five year old wagon wheels, I have them in my garage, look as good as the day I bought them... many people use chrome polish, if you are a detailer like me then you clean your wheels a couple of times a week.. Now chrome polish is ok once a month or so even once every two months is better, but in between use windex. It will clean your chrome without removing any chrome. Ive seen many a chromed wheels from friends in my area, start to turn a golden color because after a few years they have rubbed off all off the chrome and are seeing the subplating which is copper color.
Le Mans Master
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From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
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Cruise-In V Veteran
I wax my chrome A/R Nitros on my truck once a year with RainDance paste wax. They look great after 4 years of use.
Team Owner
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From: Phoenix
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09
I use Simple Green, doesn't stain wheels or rotors. Use this for occasional maintenance when washing. I also use cheap wax when really cleaning it up!! I also use ceramic brake pads, keeps the dust to a minimum 
Race Director
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From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
I use Zaino it lasts the longest. Even after 6 months I took the wheels off to do a wheel detail job. And it was very apparent the Zaino was still there. My .02
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From: Always living in a state of Confusion.
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St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
Windex is By far the best thing you can use on chrome wheels.. Ive been using it for years( 30 years ) on my chrome wheels.. Polish of any kind is the worst. My five year old wagon wheels, I have them in my garage, look as good as the day I bought them... many people use chrome polish, if you are a detailer like me then you clean your wheels a couple of times a week.. Now chrome polish is ok once a month or so even once every two months is better, but in between use windex. It will clean your chrome without removing any chrome. Ive seen many a chromed wheels from friends in my area, start to turn a golden color because after a few years they have rubbed off all off the chrome and are seeing the subplating which is copper color.
BINGO!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
I have a few blackolored spots on my front rims in a corner of the spokes that I cannot get off. I've tried wax,detailer spray,windex, & chrome polish to name a few. Any body got any suggestions? The other products I mentioned seemed to only reduce it...Thanks! Ron
Melting Slicks
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From: Edmond, OK...One of the first rules of online forums: If you don't like what is said but can't refute it, attack the poster.
Don't use brake cleaner. It works too good. Don't ask.
Jeff
ps, it wasn't on the vette, thank goodness!
Jeff
ps, it wasn't on the vette, thank goodness!
Team Owner
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by Dr.Ron
I have a few blackolored spots on my front rims in a corner of the spokes that I cannot get off. I've tried wax,detailer spray,windex, & chrome polish to name a few. Any body got any suggestions? The other products I mentioned seemed to only reduce it...Thanks! Ron