Community Forums

SCVJeff · 01-02-2008, 11:49 PM

Well, I have the brochure in the owners pack so I have to assume that I'm "shielded". Having said that I would think that rubbing Aluminum polish on them with my finger and light pressure that I should not get the typical black residue, no? The reason I started polishing them in the 1st place was to polish out salt dimples from a summer at the beach (Covers will be installed next year). Accu-Shield didn't prevent this either.

So what exactly does Accu-Shield protect against?

SCVJeff · 01-02-2008, 11:49 PM

Well, I have the brochure in the owners pack so I have to assume that I'm "shielded". Having said that I would think that rubbing Aluminum polish on them with my finger and light pressure that I should not get the typical black residue, no? The reason I started polishing them in the 1st place was to polish out salt dimples from a summer at the beach (Covers will be installed next year). Accu-Shield didn't prevent this either.

So what exactly does Accu-Shield protect against?

Route 66 · 01-03-2008, 02:55 AM

It's my understanding the the coating is similar to the clear coat on a car.

I wouldn't think salt would affect them.

Perhaps they're not coated after all?

Southwest Wheel · 01-03-2008, 04:37 AM

Here is a link to for Accuride's Cleaning Steps for the Accu-Sheild product.

http://www.accuridewheels.com/alumin...ldCleaning.asp

I would suggest for anyone looking in the future to checkout Alcoa DuraBright Wheels that are oxidized. Take a water hose to them and you are done.

Tom N · 01-03-2008, 07:46 AM

I thought Winnebago was using Alcoa's Dura-Bright® Wheels.

Dura-Brights need no polishing.

"And, because Alcoa Dura-Bright® is a surface treatment not a coating, it won't chip, crack,
peel or corrode. And never needs polishing. No other manufacturer can offer you that."

"You can't say that about coated wheels, which scratch, filiform corrode and discolor in
commercial applications. Only Dura-Bright® wheels use a patented surface treatment that
penetrates the aluminum and becomes an integral part of the wheel."

"And, they are the only wheels that come with a five-year limited warranty against defects
in materials, workmanship and corrosion."

Note: the 5 year warranty against corrosion.

-Tom

SCVJeff · 01-03-2008, 12:06 PM

Sounds like you're the local expert on this one Darrick.
Up until I needed to get the salt problems taken care of, all I did was soap and water, but this was beyond that. I'm just surprised that I would have gotten a typical black residue on something that should have been basically a clear coat. Or am I wrong??

Edit: Sorry Tom, I missed your post. I should call them and see what they say on this. I always power rinse the coach and wheels as soon as we get home, so it's wasn't more than a few days sitting (certainly better than running around on a salted road). Either way, it is what it is. And reading your paste it's guaranteed not to do what it did.

Sixpack98 · 01-05-2008, 06:09 AM

Our Accuride wheels were supposed to have accushield but they also discolored and are becomming blotchy. I think sand and other debris chips away at the clear coat which promotes oxidation of the aluminum.

Shanwick · 01-05-2008, 05:43 PM

I have Accurides on my Travel Supreme on a Spartan chassis. Last summer I was wondering if I had coated wheels or not, as I was getting some water spotting that wouldn't go away. I called Accuride and was told that if you look on a rear wheel, there will be a 5 digit number followed by either AIP or AIPC. If it says AIPC then you have coated wheels, If it's just AIP you don't have coated wheels. In my case it was 28844 AIP, so no coating or Accushield.

Sixpack98 · 01-05-2008, 05:48 PM

Jeff,
Thanks for the tip. I'm almost afraid to look for fear that they are standard. Oh well, maybe another Saturday shot.

mark

Shanwick · 01-05-2008, 07:05 PM

Mark,

Here's hoping that yours are coated. Actually, in my opinion, a well polished non-coated wheel looks better than one with Accu-Shield or Dura-Bright, it's just a little more work.

If you do need to polish, I'd recommend getting a Mothers Powerball Mini. With that thing, an electric drill, and the polish of your choice, it's not that bad. Or, check with your nearest large truck stop. They usually know someone who does polishing, usually $35 to $50 per wheel (at least around here). But, that takes all the fun out of it!

paz · 01-06-2008, 03:11 AM

Here's another vote for the Mother's Powerball Mini if you have uncoated wheels. It's under $20 at Wall-Mart. Makes the job of polishing a lot easier.

Sixpack98 · 01-06-2008, 05:55 AM

I used the larger powerball to polish the sides of a small aluminum boat and it did a great job. Guess it may be a trip to Walmart if my wheels are not coated. Thanks for the tip

Tom N · 01-06-2008, 02:15 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shanwick:
Actually, in my opinion, a well polished non-coated wheel looks better than one with Accu-Shield or Dura-Bright, it's just a little more work.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

FWIW, the Alcoa Dura-Brights (that Winnebago uses) are not coated.

-Tom