Ok, I forgot. Are the inside barrels of the stock SRT8 wheels clear coated? Originally I clay barred and Zaino'd the inside of my wheels (and the outside). Then I washed and Zaino'd the inside a couple of rotations ago. Then I took it some place for a pro alignment on the good equipment and they ended up moving all the weights on the barrel so they were hidden behind the spokes. That left some gummy spots that have collected dirt that doesn't wash off. There are some other stains as well. I think I'm going to rotate them again and it's time to thoroughly clean up the inside of the barrels. What to do? I have Blue Magic but you don't want to use that on a clear coated surface. The insides are rough finished and I'm not trying to improve that. My goal is to get rid of the stains. And then Zaino them again so future dirt doesn't stick so well. I own a mini power ball. Suggestions?
Man Dave, I was thinking about creating a similar thread this evening since I am doing the same thing. It doesn't look like the inside is clear coated but I wouldn't be surprised if they are. I didn't take my wheels off today since I washed and waxed the car and was too lazy to take them off. I did clean the insides and did the best that I could but I was thinking about purchasing "wheel wax" and wondered if this was a marketing ploy or if anyone else had good experience with it. One thing about wax on wheels is that it doesn't hold up well to the heat generated by driving and the brake dust that results is often singed into the wax making it more difficult to remove. I read this on some forum and can't remember where but I do know that when I applied a wax to the rim, the brake dust seemed to stick more. THoughts?
Zaino on our wheels seems to work great (polish). Haven't seen any effects of heat and I can't say it sheds dirt but the dirt and brake dust sure comes off easier when washing.
What are you cleaning the clearcoated part with? I am afraid I will damage it? My Bee wheels are more polished than the stock SRT wheels. They still got clear on them?
Very good point er question. The Bee wheels are a high polish I believe (not chrome). I know that when I was considering getting them high polished, they said they had to remove the clear from them, and use a special metal polish and literally buff them until that shine comes out. They also said they would NOT re-apply clear to them as this would dull the finish again some. They did say that they could do it but wouldn't recommend it unless you don't take care of the rims. Using wax on a wheel is something alot of people do and I've done myself, but I am not convinced it works as intended. I think it does work, but not as I'd like it to. That's why I'm going to chrome them eventually.
Well, the outside of the wheels is painted/clear coated for sure. I just do it like the rest of the paint. Wash and Zaino (Z5 and/or Z2).
Yes, I have done it too and I know for sure the outside is clearcoated...I just think we'd be better off without the clear coat sometimes lol...especially since I keep her warm and cozy in the winters now haha. The car I mean. Well, the wife too....bah you know what I mean.:blush:
So mine might not be cleared. I try to just use elbow grease and car wash soap to keep them clean. Seems to be doing ok but now without clear I am afraid they are going to dull. Maybe time to powdercoat gloss black.
I use "Wheel Wax" and there is a difference on the spokes and front part of the wheel where I use it. The brake dust doesn't build up as fast and "almost" just rinses off.
Hmm, may be worth trying wheel wax..I've heard someone else say something good about it before as well...think it was at the OC. I have used the Meguires Hot Rims if it's a spray on, and it works great to clean the rims after washing.
You will have to take the wheel off but I use the 3M eraser wheel on mine and will have to do so next week after the new Michelin Lat. HPs go on but it works and will not harm even clear coat surfaces and works pisser
