Aluminum Wheels

[BogeyBoy82]

I have Aluminum American Racing Python rims...i wish now i would have opted to spend the extra dough and get chrome..i have tried everything..from normal washing...to "extreme wheel cleaner"...to mothers aluminum polish...as far as im concerend..they all dont really do the job...i even tried using a buffing wheel on the end of a rotary tool w/wheel waxes..is there something im doing wrong...i can't get these things lookin like the showroom...any ideas?..thanks

[kaspar139]

I also would like to hear this resolution, as mine forever have spots on em.

 

Drivin me crazy.  ???

[mmayo]

???  Same here, I have AR Atlas on my truck and they are stained.....thinking about going with chrome next time....

[Big Boy]

Unfortunately the only answer I have - having had Alum. wheels since 88 is - you HAVE to stay ahead of them.  Can't give you any advice on getting them clean other than elbow grease.  Once you get them clean though you have to keep them clean.  I clean mine once a week.

[Roofer]

Yes, clean them as often as you can. I am on my second set of Weld wheels in about 2 years now. They get stained, pitted and rusty after awhile. I try to clean them, but nothing works, so I give up. I plan on new wheels and tires soon, and I AM NOT getting Welds again. I had a set of clear coated AR wheels and the guy I sold them to says they still look brand new. I may go with a silver or chrome next time, and some tires that actually balance out correctly. I asked Weld about their wheels and they say I didn't have any protectant on them and thats why they rust and pit. I put two or three coats of Zaino on those wheels before I even had tires mounted on them! I am not impressed by these very over priced wheels, to say the least.

 

I just bought aluminum rims for my ATV and I wash them as often as possible. They don't see the salt that my truck wheels do, but I am leary of all aluminum now.  ???

[2001 HD]

www.alcoa.com makes products for UN-Clearcoated wheels, but nothing for clearcoated.

[Iceman]

i have 16x8 Nitros and they do exactly the same. they fog up and dont have the shine they did when they were new. if you guys find anything let me know.

 

2000 GMC Z71, 5.3L, Flowmaster, K&N FIPK, HPP III, Poweraid TBS, 3" body lift, 16x8 AR nitros, 285 BFG's

[rikhek]

I HAVE THE ANSWERE!!!  The only thing I've found that works is "Flitz Paste Metal Polish, Fiberglass and Paint Restorer".  This is a blue paste that has never ceased to amaze me.  I saved a set of wheels I was ready to throw away.  My wheels were almost etched from a spray on tire cleaner.  This stuff saved them.  I tried all the wheel cleaners on the shelf including Mothers and the "wad" stuff.  None of these did a thing to clean these wheels.  Got a can of Flitz and I swear, it's the best thing since duct tape and baling wire for the owner of an old Harley. Since this initial cleaning I clean them about twice a year and they look new.  Try it, you won't be disappointed.  Requires some elbow grease for real dirty wheels but not more than you would expect.

 

It's commercial stuff and not cheap.  I think I paid $35.00 for a 2lb. can about 3 years ago and still have over a half can left.  This is with letting friends use it also.  Doesn't take much and goes a long way.  I bought it from a commercial metal polishing shop and haven't ever seen it at a retail store.  I even use it to clean the paint on my vehicles and the fiberglass on my boat.

 

I did a quick search and found it online for $40.00 for 2 lbs. at:

 

http://www.flitz-polish.com/products/?source=ov#metal1

 

You might be able to find it cheaper by looking around.  I have only used the paste and don't know how their other products like their liquid cleaner work.

 

This is probably the best contribution I will ever be able to post.  Try it, you will be amazed.

 

Rick

 

P.S. After looking at the Flitz link above I see they are selling small tubes of the paste: 1.8 oz. for $8.99 and 5.3 oz. for $18.99.

 

P.S.S. No, I do not work for Flitz or have stock in the company (although I should)

[bassdog]

As Seen On TV stuff  

 

I'm going to try it, my rims are pretty shot and my wifes are starting to get pitted from all the brake dust. Thanks for the info!!!!!  

[rikhek]

I'm not sure if you're just funnin' with me but I've never seen "Flitz" on TV.  I've seen imposters who even color their's blue but I've heard they don't work at all like the Flitz.  They also don't have the anti-tarnish ingredient. Beware of imposters.

 

Rick

[firecadet613]

I just saw Flitz at FDIC, a fire department convention I went to, looked really good, almost picked some up there.  He demoed it on the Caterpillar semi that was down there, and it worked wonders.  We might be getting some to take care of the diamond plate on our firetrucks soon.

 

Joe

[bassdog]

I'm not sure if you're just funnin' with me but I've never seen "Flitz" on TV

 

Just funnin with ya ;) . Actually the link you posted had some of the As Seen On TV stuff on their site. I have seen Flitz before somewhere, but it's been quite some time since I've seen it.

[Roofer]

Well, I ordered the small tube of Flitz just now. As you can see I am willing to try anything to fix my wheels. I am not expecting too much, but I hope it helps some. I will let you all know when I get it and if it worked.

Thanks for the info Rick.  

[akjay]

We bought some new wheels and tires for my girlfriends Ford last November.  I can't believe how nasty the back ones are already!  I've tried all of variouse spray and foam cleaners out there and the back wheels are dull and pitted.

 

I just ordered a bottle of Flitz paste from them.  I'll take some digital pics before and after and post when it comes in.  Man do they rape you on the shipping for this stuff!  12 bucks!  ouch...

[rikhek]

I'm not sure why they would charge you $12.00 shipping.  Out of curiosity I placed a "test" order for a tube of the paste and the shipping was $5.10 to Tulsa?!?

 

Rick