Wheel cleaning

[genolan]

I have a Backdraft #382 and wanted to know what I should use to clean the aluminum rims? I'm not sure if they are clear coated or not so I rubbed a clean rag on them and didn't get any black residue which leads me to believe they are clear coated. The rear are spotty with some what looks like pit marks and the front are pretty clean. The rims are 17 inch stock from Backdraft.

[Kobura]

I have 17 inch wheels with polished lips. They are not coated, so I need to be careful about washing/cleaning them so as to not scratch them. Nevertheless, I have noticed some scratching to the finish which makes them a little less polished looking. I have been told that Mother's polishing compound will remove minor scratches along with quite a lot of elbow grease. Having tried to remove some scratches to the polished aluminum windshield frame using Mother's, I have decided that I need to get yet another power tool to polish the aluminum on my car. Maybe someone else can recommend the proper procedure and tool(s) to use for polishing relatively small surfaces like rims and windshield frames.

[Large Arbor]

If they are not clear coated, Blue Magic works great.

LA

[bobcowan]

For routine cleaning, use whatever your cleaning the rest of the car with.

To re-polish, I like Mother's billit polish on uncoated wheels.

If the wheels are uncoated, you can use some Pledge spray for a quick polish.

[genolan]

Does anyone know if any backdrafts came with coated 17 Inch knock off wheels or is there a way to test the rim to tell 100% if it's coated or not?

[6t8stang]

Mine are not coated as well...I wipe down with quick detailer like the rest of the car in between full cleanings. For the full cleanings, I use a Mother's powerball with aluminum polish.

One quick test could be to put a drop of water on the wheel...if after it dries you don't have more than just a surface water mark that wipes off (vs. needing to be polished off), you have a clear coat.

[CBattaglia]

If you use metal polish and the polish turns black when buffing you are on metal. When I first got my car I used wesleys white wall cleaner on the tires and it blemished the wheels. The only way I could describe it was like very fine pitting. The polishes didnt completely get rid of the marks and I struggled with it for a couple of years. What finally got the wheels shining like new again was 000 steel wool. Buff with the steel wool, you will see the nice shine come back quickly. Then use polish.

[madmaxx]

white diamond, exotic metal polish will get rid of any surface contamination. Mothers billet not regular. mothers Only way to get rid of pits or scratches you can feel with your finger nail is sand with 800 grit than 1000 than machine polish with cotton sisal wheel with brown rouge than cotton wheel with jewelers rouge. need about 3500 rpm on 6" wheel. why they were never coated outside cost savings is besides me.

[genolan]

Thanks, After cleaning is there a way to protect them?

[madmaxx]

Performance unlimited sells a metal sealer than is transparent

[wrogers55]

On a recommendation from friend with an aluminum pontoon boat, I bought something called Shark Skin and used on some polished aluminum engine parts a couple of years ago and they still look great. It's a liquid that is wiped on and is some kind of polymer concoction that forms a bullet proof hard and clear coating. Just haven't had the guts of use it on the wheels yet. Might be an option.