TheExaminer

If I decide to keep the GTA wheels that came with my Formula, I know I can use wheel paint for the black spokes, but any tips on polishing the aluminum? Theyre in decent shape, but need a good shine put on them. Any suggestions?

oaklandfuelman

mothers & a polish ball works good if there real dirty start with a wool or cloth polish ball then go over them again with a foam ball as long as there not pitted or oxidized then you need to wet sand them first but if in good shape just dull the polish ball works good & saves you fingers from taking a beating

Zane M

iTrader: (1)

If the clear coat is still on the rims, you will have to strip it prior to attempting to polish them, especially if there are any imperfections in the clear coat.

TheExaminer

I dont think here is much pitting, they are just a little dull. Its been so freaking cold here Ive not been able to do much with them. And Im not sure about the clear coat. I hope I dont have to strip it, but I may have to. Right now its just too dang cold to put on new clear if I would need to.

oaklandfuelman

if the wheels have a clear coat you will need to strip it befour polishing them or if you wanted to re clear them the old clear should be striped off first you could try a spray on cleaner first & see how it works some are safe for clear coat & some are not if the clear is in good shape you could use a medium scratch remover compound for paint & a foam polish ball to bring it back to life depending on how far gone the clear coat is might be worth trying that first befour striping the wheels to polish them

TheExaminer

Ok. Thx. Great advice. Love this forum.....

cavazos31

iTrader: (4)

If they have a clear coat, don't bother with metal polish. Metal polish is intended to polish metal. You'll get better results with compounds/polishes for paint if your wheels have a clear coat on it.

Rub a small amount of metal polish on the surface and if the rag does NOT turn black, the metal is underneath a coat of clear. If you do want to polish the lips, the auto appearance and detailing board has a "polishing you wheels" sticky. In that the "buffing vs. polishing" link is very useful.