I recall reading a thread about this before but couldn't find it. I only noticed this problem for the first time the last time I washed the car. My wheels don't look as bright and 'shiny' as they once did and when I run my hand across them they don't feel smooth anymore but rather they feel kinda rough. I guess I could describe it this way.. before when they were clean they felt like glass, now they feel like frosted glass, definitely not smooth.
Has anyone else encountered this problem with their 18" Bullitt wheels and what is the solution? What type of cleaner should I use?
I want them to look like they did in these pics again...
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2006 GT Coupe, black w/ red leather, IUP, 5spd manual, 18" Bullitts, Stage 3 Motorsports louvers, Custom 12" shorty antenna
Well if your rims arent smooth anymore that means they are probably "pitting" either from rocks or chemicals. I have the same problem with my chrome exhaust pipe. I didnt know I needed to basically wax it to keep it looking good. A buddy of mine had bough some eagle nano wheel/rim wax to keep up with his exhaust pipes which were brushed aluminum. It didnt work on his exhaust but it works outstanding on chrome like mine. I use it evertime I wash the car and it keeps it looking great and feels smooth. I've noticed that my exhaust hasnt pitted anymore and I highly recommend the product.
The wheels aren't chrome though, they are polished aluminum. For chrome steel wool and foaming glass cleaner works amazing, just be careful not to scratch it. Unfortunately that doesn't help me as they are not chrome.
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2006 GT Coupe, black w/ red leather, IUP, 5spd manual, 18" Bullitts, Stage 3 Motorsports louvers, Custom 12" shorty antenna
The wheels aren't chrome though, they are polished aluminum. For chrome steel wool and foaming glass cleaner works amazing, just be careful not to scratch it. Unfortunately that doesn't help me as they are not chrome.
I do remember that someone used a silver polish,like the kind that you would shine your silverware with...
That may work...
I think Tarnax makes such a product.. Buy it at Walgreens... D
LWM is a truck / 4x4 place in Norman, Oklahoma. While it is not listed on thier site, they have a product called Xtreme Polish. I dont know who makes it or where else to get it other than at LWM. If my memory is correct it is about $20. It is for all types of wheels, including polished aluminum. It is a fine steel wool product that has the polish in it. it works great. i have used it on some of my other vehicles polished aluminum rims in the past. it will get all the oxidation, road grime, etc. off of the rims and restore the luster in the wheels. I would then suggest you go back over them with some mothers aluminum polish (or such) to perfect the finish and protect it. i know the general consenses will say NO to a steel wool product on a polished aluminum rim but i swear to you that this product works on ALL wheels and is excellent. it is a very fine steel wool and will not hurt your wheels.
if you still dont trust me, you can always "Flitz It" actually, i have heard that the Flitz polisher is really good....
correct 2horseowner. just use a mild polish not a wax but something that has a little cutting power to it then wax them to a high luster...Im guessin the heat from brakes and whatever is dulling the clearcoat. It should polish right up..i have noticed my wheels arent as shinny as they use to be either. i need to get on them
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Saleen S/C 3.2 pulley tuned by JDM Engineering, GT500 pumps, CHE goodies on the rear, 4.10's, KOOKS/ high flow catted X pipe with PYPES Violators, Spydershaft, TCI 3500 stall, PA deep tranny pan. Meziere w/p,M&H 325/45/17 DRs.
future mods.... a 3.0 pulley
does anybody know what ford recomends for the wheels? I am picking up my 07 GT Monday The 21st which has the polished aluminuim wheels and i want to protect them from the very begining. so many different opinions its hard for a novice like me to decied what is the best product to use. what is the best company out there, mothers, maguires??? whats the best car wax for protection and deep shine? can i wax my 07 right away or is there a period of time that must pass before i apply the first coat......of the many that im sure will be applied?
does anybody know what ford recomends for the wheels? I am picking up my 07 GT Monday The 21st which has the polished aluminuim wheels and i want to protect them from the very begining. so many different opinions its hard for a novice like me to decied what is the best product to use. what is the best company out there, mothers, maguires??? whats the best car wax for protection and deep shine? can i wax my 07 right away or is there a period of time that must pass before i apply the first coat......of the many that im sure will be applied?
Thanks the72fins
Have you consider Zaino?? I am getting new wheels next week and I have instructed the tire company where I am getting them not to mount the tires until I treat them with Zaino polish with their accelerator. I have read in their intructions that gives a great protective coat. Especially on new wheels.. I belive in Zaino...
I have a Jeep with polished Aluminum wheels and have always used NeverDull to keep them shiny. A buddy uses the Mother's power ball with great success on his aluminum rims. By the way, the factory 17" base rims are clear coated - the 18" are polished aluminum.
Dull 18" Bullitts :( 
actually, i have heard that the Flitz polisher is really good....
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