[BallardStang]

My wheels are looking a little dull, even after washing them off. Can I use a metal polish on these or is there a clear coat on them that would be harmed? They are the 18" polished aluminum wheels from Ford.

 

[RickOKC]

Hold off before using the metal polish. I'm betting they are clear coated, but I'm sure someone who knows for sure will speak up soon.

 

[postalworker]

Just use the same polish/wax that you use on the car. If they are real bad you may have to use a cleaner/wax but should not use metal polish- will damage the clearcoat. If you do a good job on the wheels at the same time you wash the car it will be easy to maintain the wheels without a lot of extra work.

 

[#1fordlover]

I have the same Rims on My Stang. As stated above do not use metal polish as they are Clearcoated Painted Rims.
I use a Good Quality Car Wax on mine and as also stated stay on them to keep em looking good. I use a Paper Towel (Bounty) on them after every drive to get the Brake Dust off. I dont drive mine in the Rain so they have kept up good and still look new.

 

[pcfrisch]

I have the same problem, the road grit is acting like sandpaper on the clearcoat making them dull.

 

[SilverGTvert]

I would recommend you use a clearcoat safe scratch/swirl remover first. Then apply a good carnuba wax. (Mequires makes both) This should bring some new life back to them if they are looking dull.

 

[fonz3482]

i use a product sold at your local honda motorsports dealer. It used to be called honda polish now called something different. Not sure of the name but if you ask for it they know what your talking about. I clean my wheels after a few spins. Just spray it on and wipe it off. shines great, removes road grime, tar, bugs, etc. good luck!

 

[bigkzilla]

My wheels are looking a little dull, even after washing them off. Can I use a metal polish on these or is there a clear coat on them that would be harmed? They are the 18" polished aluminum wheels from Ford.

Just like paint on a car:

Here's what you do. Get yourself some 2000 grit wet sandpaper and a bucket of water. Wet sand the entire wheel until the whole thing looks dull. Be careful not to go too deep and hit the paint. You are just trying to get the surface even again and clean up the dull spots. Get some polishing compound and use a high speed accessory buffer to polish the wheel. Wipe that off and then you can use some good carnuba wax with with a new buffer pad. They will look like new again if you did it right, guaranteed :bigthumbsup And this time keep em clean

 

[Guest]

you can always have the clear coat stripped and re-applied....

they will be as good as new.....

 

[pikapp]

just sell the clear coated ones and get the chrome ones, they look better too IMO.

 

[BallardStang]

What would happen if I just polished the clearcoat off of the wheels? Would the aluminum tarnish or corrode? I'm sure I would have to polish them more often, but that is not a big deal to me. Thanks for all the suggestion and help!

 

[#1fordlover]

What would happen if I just polished the clearcoat off of the wheels? Would the aluminum tarnish or corrode? I'm sure I would have to polish them more often, but that is not a big deal to me. Thanks for all the suggestion and help!

Are your rims Painted with Clearcoat over them? I know mine are. If you remove the Clearcoat then the Rims will be Dull as the Paint needs the Clearcoat to be Shiny.
If there Not Painted and just Clearcoated Aluminum Does'nt Rust, but Im not sure how good they'll look.
If they are Bad, then I'd recommend getting them re-clearcoated as mentioned above, should'nt be too much.

 

[redruder]

You could always get them powder coated and never worry about scratches again, well unless you grind them against the curb.