ive used mothers and it worked good but, i just got some meguiars hot rims, and it works great with less elbow

 

Not sure if anyone has posted about Zep A Lumes but this stuff is downright nasty. Dont have to even touch the wheels and they basically look new after your done. Now this stuff is industrial i think but i have access to it where my brother works. Spray it on and water it off like 1-2 mins later.. it works wonders.

Its acid and smells like acid. Ive wondered actually if any one else has used this and if it has bad side effects on wheels. Its aluminum cleaner and they use it on the big rigs at my bros work

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oh and when i say this stuff is nasty it took everything off the backside of my wheels and I havent touched that side for 2 years since i got my wheels. They were black as night. It took a little spray of this stuff and about 3 mins and sitting and then water to wash them off and BAM. cleaned.

 

power ball and maguiers

 

Theres some stuff you can get at truck stops called Busch aluminum polish. Ths stuff is amazing for keeping wheels looking nice. I thoroughly tested it against Mothers Power Metal and no comparison.

 

adams polish gets my vote

 

the best in my opinion is black magic wheel cleaner. it works great. and my dad has american racing wheels and they clean up real good. and eagal one makes a product called keep clean(im sure you've seen ther're ad on tv) that woeks really well.

 

the best that i have found it califorina customs purple metal polish.. that is some good stuff

 

If you have a set of wheels that are very bad from oxidation then another way to get them in-line is WD-40 and Scotch Brite pads.Spray the wheels with the WD-40 and work them down with Scotch Brite pads starting with a more aggressive pad to finer pad at the end.Then once you have them smooth and the finish back use your best polish to put the final shine to them.

NEVER...NEVER...EVER...EVER......Wax ANY chrome or aluminum finish at all.When you apply a wax to the finish it seals the finish completely and does not allow them to breathe at all and will cause premature failure of the surface due to not allowing moisture to get out,thus rusting or oxidizing from the inside out.Chrome will fail quickly like this and aluminum will pit easily making it harder to return them to normal.

I have used the WD-40/Scotch Brite method for years on aluminum parts that need redone with great success.The trick is penitence and understand that it will take some elbow grease tog et where you want to be at for finish.Rome was not built in a day and neither was a good finish and the best work is time involved.The vehicles that I detail on a regular basis have won many shows and awards.The attention to detail and your work is what keeps customers coming back and you able to have a chance at shows.......Andy

 

That interesting - recently, an acquaintance suggested Johnston paste floor wax (yes floor wax). He lives way up north and swears by it, and claims he has used it for years on his aluminum wheels.

 

If your gonna use floor wax, "and this is if your gonna use floor wax, cause I've never heard of this in my life for wheels" an old military trick to make it really sink in and shine.

Use a wire coat hanger to make a handle for the can, just twist it and wrap it around the can as best you can. Pull your wheels. Light the polish up with a cigarette lighter, yes it burns, and pour it on the wheels or floor. In a liquid state it runs into every pore, crack an crevice and will shine up like glass. This is how you prep for inspections and make a tile floor shine like a show ready car.