Chrome Rim Storage Advice

LF Motorsports · January 9, 2008

I searched some and found a lot but what my question is. So, does anyone have advice on putting something on some chrome GM rims just for storage over the winter. I use WD-40 for tools and such so the don't rust or corrode but what is best for the rims. I am going to give them a good cleaning (front and back) and put them up for the winter. I am hoping there will be minumal clean-up come spring time. I know they won't stay perfect, just want to do what I can.

I have also heard waxing them but how will that work on the back side . And waxing lug nuts seem a little crazy but I spent the time cleaning them last night.

Thanks for the advice.

Lance

-Devil- · January 9, 2008

I searched some and found a lot but what my question is. So, does anyone have advice on putting something on some chrome GM rims just for storage over the winter. I use WD-40 for tools and such so the don't rust or corrode but what is best for the rims. I am going to give them a good cleaning (front and back) and put them up for the winter. I am hoping there will be minumal clean-up come spring time. I know they won't stay perfect, just want to do what I can.

I have also heard waxing them but how will that work on the back side . And waxing lug nuts seem a little crazy but I spent the time cleaning them last night.

Thanks for the advice.

Lance

back in the 80's when i would put a set of wheels or hubcaps ... or old trim off of one of my cars up for storage ... i would either smear motor oil on it and put saran wrap around it .. or for the more odd shaped parts (rims and hubcaps) .. i would put vasoline on them ... and then put them up ...

after about a year it will harden up and crystalize ... and can just be brushed off ... but if left alone ...it should protect the finish ..

but if they are chrome rims that dont have any blemish spots .. just a good cleaning and even a spray detail wax on them .. just make sure it isn't in a real humid place .. and they should be good to go ...

cerbomark · January 9, 2008

after a good cleaning, put a light coat of wax (both sides) and spray your nuts with wd 40 . I assume they will be stored inside. JFI/ spray foam glass cleaner is a good cleaner for the chrome wheels too.

LF Motorsports · January 9, 2008

You said nuts.. . I will WD-40 them, lug nuts that is... Will the WD-40 clean up pretty easily in a few month?

Any suggestions on the spray wax? That would be the easiest but I have never bought any.

Lastly, is wax spraying the stock 18" aluminum wheels a good idea when they get put up in the spring?

Zembonez · January 9, 2008

and spray your nuts with wd 40

I understand this procedure attracts a "different" kind of woman.

LF Motorsports · January 9, 2008

That just screams entertainment!!!

papapump51 · January 9, 2008

we would put on a thin glaze of vasaline ... and make sure to cover the nuts

cerbomark · January 9, 2008

let me clarify/ regaulaer hand wax front and back. Spray the wd 40. Not that srpay wax is bad just not nessasray. Wd 40 will wipe right off with a rag and the Vasaline could be used in it s place if that works better for you. I would do the same thing to the aluminum wheels when you put them up. They will outlast you owning the truck anyway.(if you are like me)

Zembonez · January 9, 2008

I think the single biggest thing is to put them up clean... front and back.

-Devil- · January 10, 2008

put them up clean and dry ...

the rest is just a little extra insurance ...

for an aluminum rim .. esp the stock ones .. normally they are clearcoated ... so mostly just wax or vasoline .. (i prefer it to wd-40 because it doesn't drip off of what ya put it on) ..

the detail spray wax isn't as durable a coating .. when exposed to the elements ... but it still serves its purpose if they are just sitting up in a storage building or in a closet ...

thats an idea .. can always clean em up .. and bring them inside .. and get some cut glass tops to put on top of each one and make end tables out of them ...

LF Motorsports · January 10, 2008

Hopefully, put up in an attic/rafters above my garge. Have to get them up the drop stairs. The closet.... That you can take up with the better half. In my recent single days (6 yrs ago), I had some racing tires in a spare bedroom. Was a good idea to me. But apparently that did not attract the ladies. When we had the room carpeted, I was "told" the old carpetand room smelled like tires.

So pretty good chance they will stay out of the house. But don't get me wrong, I like the way your thinking. Just not interested in divorce at this stage of the game. Thanks guys for the advice. Now just the manual labor part.

Lance