Polishing Alcoas

[Kalaehina]

I am in charge of vehicle cleaning of one of our cities public transport fleets and have a few Chevy 4500 (Duramax) with 19. 5 inch Alcoas, they are begining to get very dull and ugly, I have been trying different products, some work better then others, I was wondering if anyone has a product they use on Alcoa or any other alluminum rims to bring back the shine. Tools? By hand? What's your preference? Thanks for any advice or info.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

A friend of mine had 4 real skanky looking American Racing aluminium rims. Badly oxidized and almost black in spots. We used some polishing compound with some 0000 Ultra Fine Steel Wool. 0000 is finer than 00. We got it at menards. Clean the rims up with that 0000 stuff and lots of elbow grease. Once that is done and the rims are clean, polish with a cotton towel and more polish compound (like Mothers) or get one of those drill-bit polish heads to speed the process. But for cleaning up very neglected aluminium, we found that the finest steel wool works great. His rims look like new again.

 

[Kalaehina]

Hmm, never knew that. I am currently trying Mothers with their power ball thing, um not good on rims that have gouges and scratches cuz it's eating up that red ball FAST!

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I bought the polish made by Alcoa and it works GREAT. Still needs lots of elbow grease. The more you rub, the more shine you get. Also get the sealant you apply after you polish.

You spray it on and hose it off. It makes the wheel hold the shine for a few months. HUGE difference with the sealant.



I tried to find an Alcoa link, but it says 'page under consruction'.

 

[Kalaehina]

Oh good! I just got some to try out, and it did come with the spray sealant. Monday I will give it a try. So I spray on the sealant then just hose it off? Sounds easy enough. Thanks!