Mustang Forums   Mustang Classifieds   Photo Gallery   Calendars   Search   Live Chat   Contact MF   Sponsors
  Mustang Recalls   Mustang TSB's   News   Timeslips   Timeline   Wallpaper   Member List   Register   Login

how to shine chrome wheels

  Printable Version
Mustang >> Ford Mustang Tech >> Detailing >> how to shine chrome wheels Page: [1] 2   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
how to shine chrome wheels - 8/17/2006 6:55:05 PM   
Focker

 

Posts: 29
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
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??

Post #: 1
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/17/2006 7:10:19 PM   
sprostang


Posts: 6196
Joined: 9/9/2005
From: Illinois
Status: offline
sprostang's photo gallery
Chrome polish...........

_____________________________


04 GT 5 spd---Predator--FRPP 4.10`s--MAC catted H--BBK CAI--Flowmaster 40`s--MGW

05 Ranger 4X4---4.10`s--K&N CAI


(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 2
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/17/2006 8:56:15 PM   
StevenP450yfz

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 7/17/2005
Status: offline
StevenP450yfz's photo gallery
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.

_____________________________


(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 3
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/18/2006 11:29:48 PM   
OneFine89Mustang


Posts: 1297
Joined: 8/30/2005
Status: offline
i used a buffer and some rubbing compound to get my rims shining like new again

_____________________________

4:10 gears, full exhaust, trickflow intake,mac cai,trickflow stage 1 cam,1.6 roller rockers,msd ignition,smog deleted,AC deleted, Ford racing double roller timing chain, trans go shift kit, , summit tranny cooler,mickey t drag radials, electric fan

(in reply to StevenP450yfz)
Post #: 4
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/19/2006 12:19:17 AM   
Focker

 

Posts: 29
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
could anyone provide me with a link of the best product i can use?

thanks

(in reply to OneFine89Mustang)
Post #: 5
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/19/2006 3:33:05 AM   
Jim D.

 

Posts: 381
Joined: 3/29/2006
Status: offline
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!

(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 6
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/20/2006 12:09:51 AM   
Focker

 

Posts: 29
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
ok thanks a lot!

(in reply to Jim D.)
Post #: 7
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/20/2006 12:15:21 AM   
StevenP450yfz

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 7/17/2005
Status: offline
StevenP450yfz's photo gallery
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.

_____________________________


(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 8
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/20/2006 2:58:07 PM   
tommy_t


Posts: 325
Joined: 5/8/2005
Status: offline
for chrome i use Eagle One Nano-Polish....chrome safe

_____________________________

1999 Mustang GT
- MGW 5-Spd
- 17" Chrome Cobra R
- 1" Lowered
- Flowmaster Catback

(in reply to StevenP450yfz)
Post #: 9
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/20/2006 10:06:52 PM   
S281 E

 

Posts: 2671
Joined: 3/30/2006
Status: offline
You could use Griot's wheel cleaner. Good stuff.

(in reply to tommy_t)
Post #: 10
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/20/2006 11:19:19 PM   
Jim D.

 

Posts: 381
Joined: 3/29/2006
Status: offline
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.


(in reply to S281 E)
Post #: 11
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/20/2006 11:57:00 PM   
Jim D.

 

Posts: 381
Joined: 3/29/2006
Status: offline
(duplicate deleted -- sorry)

(in reply to S281 E)
Post #: 12
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/24/2006 2:13:40 PM   
swillz2000

 

Posts: 37
Joined: 7/17/2006
Status: offline
swillz2000's photo gallery
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.

_____________________________

2000 GT; ENGINE AND EXHAUST STOCK FOR THE MOMENT
20" HELO RIMS
RAM HD clutch

(in reply to Jim D.)
Post #: 13
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/25/2006 12:04:12 PM   
sowaxeman



Posts: 3868
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Indianapolis, IN
Status: offline
sowaxeman's photo gallery
Hey Focker (nice screen name BTW ) 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

_____________________________


Saleen Club Of America - Central Region Director
http://www.saleenclubofamerica.com/Central


(in reply to swillz2000)
Post #: 14
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/27/2006 5:01:46 PM   
Focker

 

Posts: 29
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
oh, thanks a lot guys...
i think mine is polished aluminum..:D

ill try to take a picture and post it up

thanks

(in reply to sowaxeman)
Post #: 15
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/28/2006 9:10:53 AM   
Focker

 

Posts: 29
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
**delete

< Message edited by Focker -- 8/28/2006 9:13:04 AM >

(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 16
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/28/2006 9:13:06 AM   
Focker

 

Posts: 29
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
does anyone know about 2004 V6 mustang fully loaded rims??

(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 17
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 8/30/2006 10:19:23 AM   
sowaxeman



Posts: 3868
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Indianapolis, IN
Status: offline
sowaxeman's photo gallery
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.

_____________________________


Saleen Club Of America - Central Region Director
http://www.saleenclubofamerica.com/Central


(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 18
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 9/1/2006 4:56:23 PM   
Focker

 

Posts: 29
Joined: 3/25/2006
Status: offline
here are some pics..

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

RIM 1

RIM 2

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

thanks

< Message edited by Focker -- 9/1/2006 5:07:44 PM >

(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 19
RE: how to shine chrome wheels - 9/1/2006 6:30:28 PM   
StevenP450yfz

 

Posts: 146
Joined: 7/17/2005
Status: offline
StevenP450yfz's photo gallery
Yea, them are polished aluminum rims, not chrome. Get some aluminum polish and they will look like new.

< Message edited by StevenP450yfz -- 9/1/2006 6:31:32 PM >


_____________________________


(in reply to Focker)
Post #: 20
Login OR Register now to post a reply to this forum topic.
Page:   [1] 2   next >   >>

 

 
Mustang Forum >> Ford Mustang Tech >> Detailing
Jump to:
Forum Rules & FAQ
Today's Posts
Most Active Topics
RSS Feeds
Make A Donation

Mustangs:
Classic Mustang
Mustang II
Fox Body Mustang
sn95 Mustang
New Edge Mustang
s197 Mustang
Mustang Clubs
2007 GT500 Mustang
2009 Mustang
Ford Mustang Prices


Featured Sponsors
Advertising Info

Top 10 Posters
pro50sc17788
nanaki14679
88bluegt14521
dan04cobra14505
addermk213855
ride of the 13610
hotrods_n_bo13287
2000gt4.612490
mustangman0211885
1slo8511661

New Vendors
BMR Fabrication
Year One
Auto Badges
Trickflow
Speedware Motorsports
LTM Global
Late Model Restoration
Southern Mustang Parts
4walls
BrandMotion

MustangForums.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company.