View Full Version : how to shine chrome wheels


Focker
08-17-2006, 08:55 PM
hi i have a 2004 v6 mustang fully loaded and got chrome wheels with it

at first it was really shinny,

but now it's starting to get pretty dull...

is there any way to make it shine like it did when i bought it??

sprostang
08-17-2006, 09:10 PM
Chrome polish........... [&:]

StevenP450yfz
08-17-2006, 10:56 PM
I would have to guess that they are polished aluminum if they are getting really dull looking, chrome really does not get that dull. I would find out for sure what they are and get the right polish, sold at almost any store with an automotive section.

OneFine89Mustang
08-19-2006, 01:29 AM
i used a buffer and some rubbing compound to get my rims shining like new again

Focker
08-19-2006, 02:19 AM
could anyone provide me with a link of the best product i can use?

thanks

Jim D.
08-19-2006, 05:33 AM
Depending on the quality of the chrome, you want to be careful how aggressive you go.

Not all polishes are meant for chrome (certainly not rubbing compounds) -- best to go with a chrome-specific polish to ensure longevity.

Always be careful of center caps which are sometimes chromed plastic and somewhat delicate.

There are two things you may consider adding to your wheel care regimen... a spray-on, hose-off product for brake dust and road grime from chrome surfaces, and then follow with a chrome polish. There are lots of brands out there, and I happen to like Mothers Chrome/Wire wheel cleaner, and their mild Chrome Polish -- it's mild enough for glass and will polish as well as protect.

Depending on the design of the wheel, and how often you like to polish, you might consider a PowerBall or PowerBall Mini which attaches to your cordless drill (you can use corded, but cordless is much handier).

Check out http://www.detailguide.com and/or http://www.waxforum.com if you'd like some additional info and input on those products.

Good luck!

Focker
08-20-2006, 02:09 AM
ok thanks a lot!

StevenP450yfz
08-20-2006, 02:15 AM
Can you get any pictures I am still thinking that they are not chrome, maybe polished aluminum, I did not think ford made a v6 with chrome rims? I could be wrong but you don't want to put chrome polish on aluminum rims or visa versa it will not work.

tommy_t
08-20-2006, 04:58 PM
for chrome i use Eagle One Nano-Polish....chrome safe

S281 E
08-21-2006, 12:06 AM
You could use Griot's wheel cleaner. Good stuff.

Jim D.
08-21-2006, 01:19 AM
Chrome can get dull. And there are indeed different qualities of chrome.

If they're dealer add-ons, or aftermarket, sometimes you never know what they throw on there if you didn't buy them yourself.

In a discrete area, if you use an aluminum polish (like Mothers Mag & Aluminum) on a clean wheel and it turns black after about 5 seconds of rubbing, then you've got polished aluminum.

If it doesn't turn black, then you've got clearcoated or chrome -- and those two should be easy to distinguish from one another.

Jim D.
08-21-2006, 01:57 AM
(duplicate deleted -- sorry)

swillz2000
08-24-2006, 04:13 PM
i have a set of chrome wheels and i use turtle wax's chrome that cleans away dirt and brake dust as you polish. i have used several others and if you have chrome wheels then i would use turtle. if you looking for a good spray on wax for wet and dry surface then go with meguiars or eagle one.:D

sowaxeman
08-25-2006, 02:04 PM
Hey Focker (nice screen name BTW :D) I agree with Steven on this - chrome can get dirty and stained but I've never seen chrome get "dull" Be certain you are talking chrome and not polished aluminum. If you indeed have chrome, then I swear by Turtle Wax Chrome Polish (in a little white bottle), and if you have aluminum then Mothers Aluminum Polish (in a little white jar) works wonders. Both are available at just about any auto parts store or in the auto section of your typical super-store.

Chrome Polish works with minimal effort, Aluminum Polish will require a little more elbow grease (and perhaps a 2nd or 3rd coat) And like mentioned above, chrome polish will reveal dirt mostly on the rag while aluminum polish will reveal a lot of black residue. Thats the cutting action of the alum. polish doing its thing :)

Good luck

Focker
08-27-2006, 07:01 PM
oh, thanks a lot guys...
i think mine is polished aluminum..:D

ill try to take a picture and post it up

thanks

Focker
08-28-2006, 11:10 AM
**delete

Focker
08-28-2006, 11:13 AM
does anyone know about 2004 V6 mustang fully loaded rims??

sowaxeman
08-30-2006, 12:19 PM
Look VERY closely at your rims - if you see any hints of very fine swirls or sanding/buffing marks, then that is polished aluminum.

Clean a section with some window cleaner (no ammonia of course) or quick detailer. When you wipe the clean section with a cloth is it mirror smooth like it was just waxed (then probably chrome), or does it have that non-waxed "dragging" feel to it (probably polished aluminum)?? Thats about the only way I can think of off hand to help determine.

Post pics if you can.

Focker
09-01-2006, 06:56 PM
here are some pics..

im not sure if you can tell just by looking at these pics..

RIM 1 (http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/7629/imga0456ex7.jpg)

RIM 2 (http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/2554/imga0457mf3.jpg)

kinda dirty cuz it's been raining a lot here and couldn't really clean it...

thanks

StevenP450yfz
09-01-2006, 08:30 PM
Yea, them are polished aluminum rims, not chrome. Get some aluminum polish and they will look like new.

Focker
09-01-2006, 10:03 PM
oh, how could you tell??

and also, what is a good aluminum polish i could get from...say like target or sears?

ceekay84
09-02-2006, 12:44 AM
chrome doesnt get dull like that... even when chrome gets dirty..

drowned_buddha
09-02-2006, 07:40 PM
Use Nevr-Dull. It works wonderfully on both chrome and aluminum. It's the best thing I've ever used. You can pick it up at any auto parts store.


http://data.solidcactus.com/cjimages/autobarn/oil1035605.gif

Focker
09-02-2006, 09:58 PM
o ok thanks..anyone else have a suggestion?

ceekay84
09-02-2006, 10:31 PM
your mothers powerball ftw!