Appearance/Modifications Discussions Body Kits, Hoods, Spoilers, Interiors,Engine Compartments,Exhaust

People with the 17" Polished rims...cleaning?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 10, 2008 | 05:23 PM
  #1  
Goose's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 01-31-2007
Posts: 2,479
From: New Hampsha
People with the 17" Polished rims...cleaning?

What do you folks use to shine and clean your rims?? I have found that even running your finger over these rims can leave little hair line scratches...what do you guys use to take out some of these scratches? Or just clean in general?


Mothers or Meguairs ect? Chrome polish? How about for a cloth?



Goose
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 06:39 AM
  #2  
Doc brown's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 04-07-2008
Posts: 1,051
From: Wisconsin
Since I just got the HHR, I haven't had to clean the rims. But I've had a lot of chrome and aluminum wheels over the years. I use Mothers Metal Polish. I usually use a soft cotton towel. But I think Mothers Billet Alluminum Polish will be better for the our wheels. I really don't think you can completely get rid of the fine scratches unless you use some sort of a polishing tool, like the Mothers Powerball. Here's a good link to wheel polishing: http://www.s10forum.com/how_to_polish_aluminum_wheels.
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 06:56 AM
  #3  
jx3's Avatar
jx3
Senior Member
 
Joined: 10-19-2005
Posts: 20,687
From: Miami
Just treat them like the rest of the paint on the car.
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 09:05 AM
  #4  
Goose's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 01-31-2007
Posts: 2,479
From: New Hampsha
Really? They just seem so delicate..microfiber cloth left some scratches that I didn't expect...guess terry cloth way to go? Is there a clearcoat on the polished rims?

Wonder if the new bullet polish I got from Bill and Linda would work?

Have a decent mark on one of the rims and was wondering what might take it out



Goose
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 09:25 AM
  #5  
solman98's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 07-17-2006
Posts: 6,053
From: Dallas, GA
I hear a lot of issues with the coating on the stock 17"'s. They way I would treat them, if you would not use it on your paint, don't use it on the wheel.

You get some new rollers......
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 09:53 AM
  #6  
GRUMPEE's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 06-02-2006
Posts: 1,533
From: Break Away Republic of SoCal
If you have the polished 17", these aluminium (read not chrome) my understanding is that these have a clearcoat. Like Solman/JX3 says "treat 'em like you treat your car's paint." Stay away from the metal polishes...or check on the bottle/tin for "clearcoat safe". Every time I get my car detailed I tell the guys to wax my wheels
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 10:52 AM
  #7  
jx3's Avatar
jx3
Senior Member
 
Joined: 10-19-2005
Posts: 20,687
From: Miami
[QUOTE=Goose;254928microfiber cloth left some scratches that I didn't expect...[/QUOTE]

Maybe time to get some better quality MF towels?

(MF= microfiber, not the other meaning )
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 11:17 AM
  #8  
Goose's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 01-31-2007
Posts: 2,479
From: New Hampsha
Originally Posted by solman98

You get some new rollers......
yes..I got a set of the OEM 17" Polished. Always liked the look of the polished rims and this was a good deal. I may turn my 16 " rims into snow dedicated rims...or might sell them and just get 15" steelies lol

I'll have to get some nice terry cloth to do these rims with..granted they are gonna scratch but I was amazed at how easily...I used Zymol so I guess a cleaner wax is not the way to go?


Anyone use ICE on their rims?



Goose
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 03:00 PM
  #9  
TY&HHR's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 11-14-2006
Posts: 103
From: North Georgia
Don't use anything with course bristles to clean your tires. If you slip off your tire onto the rim it will scratch them. I bought a set of polished for our 1LT, and there is a difference in clears between the original aluminum 16's and the 17's. I never had an issue with the 16's. One day I've got to take the 17's off and sand the scratches and buff them out. I found a scrubber pad used in cleaning bird cages and it works real good, you can hold it tight in your hands and keep a finger between the tires.
Old Apr 11, 2008 | 03:06 PM
  #10  
furious's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 11-10-2007
Posts: 217
From: Summerville / Clemson, SC
I only use soap and water on my wheels.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:42 PM.