Best Cleaner/Polish for Alumnimum Wheels

[doorguy]

Hi gents, my chassis is an 04 and the aluminum wheels from F/liner are not pre-coated with a sealer as in later models. So, I'm asking who has had the best luck with what cleaner/polish on these wheels. Also, has anyone come up with a better method of application than using a rag and hands and ending up with sore fingers??

[WeatherTodd]

brasso and one of those power balls on a drill will make short work of polishing wheels.

[Akibase]

MOTHERS car care products has a metal polish that is excellant. As well they have a polishing cone (thats what it looks like) that is excellant for wheels. MOTHERS IS HARD TO BEAT. EXCELLENT PRODUCTS

[Martind4]

I bought one of the Busch polishing kits at a FMCA rally and have had really good luck. The kit has the polish, wax and various sized cotton buffing wheels to get in all the nooks and crannies. I like it better than the foam ball from Mothers. Yes, my fingers get black from polishing but the wheels look nice when I get done.

The guy that did the demo for Busch products recommended washing the wheels with an aluminum brightener (acid) the first time to remove the build-up and make it easier to polish. They look pretty rough after the acid wash and you might have second thoughts, but they will polish up nicely.

[FIRE UP]

Doorguy,
As you've found out, there is no magical remedy for polishing aluminum wheels or any aluminum for that matter. It's LABOR, and lots of it. Now, depending on just how bad your wheels are to start with, it may take a lot of labor or, a little labor to get them to a point you're satisfied with. To simply throw a powerball or any other soft machined ball at them if, they're considerably oxidized will, for the most part produce a slight surface shine.

But, again, depending the starting condition, it may take several steps to get them to look almost like chrome. Now here's the biggie, not many guys are willing to spend the time, labor or effort to get them there. Yes, you'll see many coaches, fuel trucks, and others with super shiny wheels, it's because it took A LOT to get them to that point. Then, once they're there, it's an easy, once every other month brush up with a nice liquid aluminum polish, about 20 minutes per wheel and they'll stay like chrome for ever.

It's one of those things called a "Labor of love". It all depends on just how you want them to look when you're done with them. On our present '04 Itasca D/P, they were not too bad when we purchased the coach about 6 months ago so, it only took me about an hour a piece to get them to look like they do in the pics below. I used a couple of different paste type polishes and a liquid for the final touch. Yep, my fingers were tired, AND BLACK but, it washes off and they (the fingers) get over it. But, I get many comments on them in camp grounds etc.
Scott

[1ciderdog]

Barry
One of the hand outs at Camp Freightliner was information from Michelin advertising these three products:
Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner
Michelin 3-in-1 Tire shine
Michelin Brake Dust Repekkent
I don't how well these work or the cost.
Safe Travels
Bob

[GMRHost]

Most large truck washes and truck stops generally have someone hawking the buffing of wheels and such. I only go with those who're using power polishers and whom I can see the work of. Cost is generally about 10 bucks a wheel. My knees love me for it.
There's a great guy at the Petro in Kingman, on nearby here in Joplin, and a few around indy, west memphis, and the like.

[Wizard]

Great job Scott.

Now thats what I want mine to look like however mine was in pretty rough shape when I bought them. I spent about 1.5 hours per wheel with Turtle wax polishing compound then Mothers aluminum polish. They look better but nothing like yours. I'm taking everything to Florida with me this winter and hope to have some time to go over them again. My problem is that I need to remove the lug nuts and don't know how I'm going to accompkish that. Don't have a big enough torque wrench.

[Martind4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizard My problem is that I need to remove the lug nuts and don't know how I'm going to accompkish that. Don't have a big enough torque wrench.

You know the stainless lug nut covers come off, either by hand or with a pair of channel locks (covered with a rag to prevent scratches).

Most people would probably think I'm crazy, but I like to remove the wheels for polishing. I have about a 6' cheater pipe to get enough leverage to remove the lug nuts.

Then I use a homemade torque wrench adaptor to reinstall. Here is a link to making your own adaptor (extender):

Torque Wrench extensions

A commercial torque wrench has confirmed that my homemade one is accurate, cost me $20 but it was worth it for the peace of mind.

[Billieg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martind4 I bought one of the Busch polishing kits at a FMCA rally and have had really good luck. The kit has the polish, wax and various sized cotton buffing wheels to get in all the nooks and crannies. I like it better than the foam ball from Mothers. Yes, my fingers get black from polishing but the wheels look nice when I get done. The guy that did the demo for Busch products recommended washing the wheels with an aluminum brightener (acid) the first time to remove the build-up and make it easier to polish. They look pretty rough after the acid wash and you might have second thoughts, but they will polish up nicely.

I second that! Use Mothers all wheel spray cleaner first to get rid of all the crud and open them up for the polish. Just spray it on, let it sit and wash it off.

I bought some Busch polish and sealer at Daytona bike week and did my wheels. Now, only once a year do I have to re-do them. They have a polish and the sealer which keeps the wheels sealed. They are out of NC. you can find and order online. Owning 3 motorcycles and my various MH's with alum. wheels has kept me on top of the polish thing and Busch is the best IMHO. All my wheels look just like chrome but don't peel!

[Sammie]

There is one step in the aluminum polishing process that will make your work easier. After the wheel has been polished and ready for the black polished surface to be wiped clean, try sprinkeling cornstarch powder on the wheel and then wipe off the surface. You will find it makes the final step much easier. After the wheel is done you can finish by washing off the surface with carwash soap and your done.

Sammie

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog Barry One of the hand outs at Camp Freightliner was information from Michelin advertising these three products: Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner Michelin 3-in-1 Tire shine Michelin Brake Dust Repekkent I don't how well these work or the cost. Safe Travels Bob

The last I checked the Tire Shine was no longer available and no ETA even. Michelin used to say to use 303 so that's what I now use.

[capdata]

The wheel maker, Alcoa, makes products for their wheels. I tried them a few years ago without much luck though, then at the Six state rally in Shreveport last year I attended a seminar put on by these folks: http://www.alwaysshinywheelsandrv.com/ , she make it look easy in the video (on the web site) she showed. I asked ‘But my wheels are really bad, can I really get good results the first time? I was assured I could. So I bought the recommended products (not all alcoa) and to my surprise the results were amazing. These folks know how to get shiny wheels! Give them a try.

[movin-on]

It took me 20 years to finally find a product for my aluminum wheels that I am happy with Zephyr40....
https://www.zephyrpro40.com/s2/Scripts/default.asp