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Old 08-13-2011, 01:42 PM   #1
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1975 23' Safari
Portland , Oregon
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Cleaning/Polishing Alloy Wheels

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering what some of you have done to restore a new look to your alloy wheels. After cleaning with a bristle brush, the wheels are still dull and some stubborn black spots remain behind. Should i use a wire brush or is there some cleaning, polishing stuff out there to get them shiny again?
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Old 08-14-2011, 09:50 AM   #2
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2001 30' Excella
Somerset , New Jersey
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I would recommend staying away from the wire brush and / or any heavy abrasives. I think ( correct me if I'm wrong ) that most or perhaps all of the aluminum wheels are painted and clearcoated. Any harsh scrubbing or sanding will remove the coatings and then you'll have a real mess. Light scrubbing with bristle brush or kitchen magic scrubbies should remove road grime and brake dust ( if disc brakes ). There are solvents for removing tar from auto finishes and they should be OK also. Double check what I've said and do step lightly. I re-finished a set of wheels recently and they came out very nicely with spray paint and good clearcoating.
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Old 08-14-2011, 09:58 AM   #3
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1977 31' Excella 500
West Sacramento , California
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I clean/polish mine with aluminum polish and a cone attachment that fits in a drill once a year.
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Old 08-14-2011, 10:04 AM   #4
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2005 19' Safari
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Check with auto shops that specialize in customizing cars. They have connections with metal plating shops that can refinish and polish alloy wheels. Aluminum wheels need to be hard anodized and/or clear coated to preserve the finish. Otherwise, they oxidize (white powdery aluminum-oxide). The new finish should be treated like the paint on your tow vehicle. Wax or protective coating is OK. However, do not do anything that will remove the anodizing or clear coat, both of which are soft; or you will expose the bare metal to oxidation, again.
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Old 08-14-2011, 10:35 AM   #5
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2003 25' Classic
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The Alcoa wheels on our 03 Classic are uncoated...Thank's be to Wally.

Griot's metal polish is responsible for this....hand polished & waxed
Metal Polish, 2.5 Ounces - Polishes - Polishing - Car Care - Griot's Garage
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Old 08-15-2011, 10:16 PM   #6
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1991 35' Airstream 350
Laurel , Maryland
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I removed the clearcoat and polished the wheels with Gords polish. It is supposed to leave a protective film and only needs a little polish once a year. We will see.


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Old 08-16-2011, 10:13 AM   #7
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I went and ordered the Gords Polish. Looking forward to trying it.
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Old 08-16-2011, 10:35 AM   #8
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1991 35' Airstream 350
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Did you check out his wacky website? Those inventer types are like that. He has some youtube video's as well.
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