Cleaning chrome wheels

customcafe · #1 (**permalink**) 02-29-08, 09:33 AM

Got an 03 Deville with the chrome stock wheels. Noticed last time I washed her up that they are getting stained from this winters abundance of salt and crap on the road.

What is the best method for cleaning the chrome up? Any ideas?

Thanks!

J

submariner409 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-29-08, 05:04 PM

A couple of members here are also approved vendors for detail equipment, so look for them, or take a look at www.autogeek.net, a Florida detail supplies dealer.

StuJac · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-08, 09:03 AM

Actually, you're probably out of luck, like me. I've got 4 stained (actually, oxidized) wheels that absolutely cannot be repaired. they can be replaced, however. I've had them to the dealer, to detail shops and I've researched online. If you take compound, in a small area to test, and cannot get it off, it's oxidized and hopeless. Do as I do, shop for new wheels.

submariner409 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-08, 11:28 AM

StuJac, Take a look at www.wheelcollision.com . In Pennsylvania. Bath, above Philly.

2003WHITECTS · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-08, 12:40 PM

I usually use the original Turtle Wax Chrome Polish that White bottle is good....

2003WHITECTS · #6 (**permalink**) 03-02-08, 12:41 PM

Actually if by chance your rims aren't chrome but polished...i would recommend the Mother's All Metal Billet Polish which is a small jar...that removed oxidation and rust on my polished rims

StuJac · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-08, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by submariner409

StuJac, Take a look at www.wheelcollision.com . In Pennsylvania. Bath, above Philly.

I did talk to them the last time we posted about this. They can re-chrome only and it's pretty expensive but, making it much more difficult, they need weeks to do it. Can't give up the car for that long and don't have a spare set of wheels. Thanks anyway.

montsb · #8 (**permalink**) 03-04-08, 07:26 AM

If your wheels are polished and you are going to be looking for a great polish, I would strongly suggest a product named ZEPHYR. I got it at a truck stop, usually people that polish lots of metal. I have used many Mothers polishing products, Never Dull, Hollywoods Metal Polish, and ZEPHYR Pro 400 works the best of all of them on my 4x4 wheels, quad wheels, ect... Less effort than other polishes with a better shine and seems to keep them that way longer. Give it a shot!

montsb · #9 (**permalink**) 03-04-08, 08:09 AM

Oh yeah, by the way, here is the web site to check them out! www.zephyrpro40.com Trust me, more polished finish, less work, it is a liquid, not a paste or cotton wad.

**hcvone** · #10 (**permalink**) 03-04-08, 08:13 AM

A good coat of synthetic wax before the first snow will help, getting the salt off the wheels quickly will also help, if they are stained a products like Mother's Chrome Polish will make them look good again.

StuJac · #11 (**permalink**) 03-04-08, 08:20 AM

You guys should stop giving false hope. Depending on the level and type of stain-they CAN'T BE CLEANED. Period. These chrome wheels get oxidized to the point that nothing can be done but to rechrome. I've had mine seen by the dealer and 3 different detail shops. I've sent photos of them to the wheel repair czars in Bath, Pa and the best they can offer is to rechrome them.

montsb · #12 (**permalink**) 03-04-08, 05:40 PM

I think you are right... If they are chrome wheels, it gets pitted and just worn down, not much a cleaner can do...sorry, thought they might be polished wheels, bummer!!!

MDecker · #13 (**permalink**) 07-08-08, 03:34 AM

Turtle Wax Chrome Polish in the little white bottle (less than $2.00 at WALMART) works great for me. Don't overdo it and get it everywhere. A little extra time and elbow grease helps too.

**hcvone** · #14 (**permalink**) 07-08-08, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuJac

You guys should stop giving false hope. Depending on the level and type of stain-they CAN'T BE CLEANED. Period. These chrome wheels get oxidized to the point that nothing can be done but to rechrome. I've had mine seen by the dealer and 3 different detail shops. I've sent photos of them to the wheel repair czars in Bath, Pa and the best they can offer is to rechrome them.

You are correct, but if you take care of them from day one they will last a long time, I have had chrome wheels on all my cars and trucks for the last 15years plus

StuJac · #15 (**permalink**) 07-08-08, 09:27 AM

Yes but unfortunately I didn't have this car from the beginning. I got it with the wheels already stained and a number of other issues which I have already fixed. This is the remaining issue and the toughest one to crack. I am not spending over $1k each wheel to get new factory wheels.