Cleaning Split Rims

[Jetl3on]

Just received my new 3 piece split rims, all polished lip, lacquered centers with chrome bolts all round, however they look an absolute nightmare to clean, so before I discover the inevitable, can anyone recommend a wax/sealant for the polished lip and advise on how to protect/clean around those bolts without having to spend all day using a toothbrush.

Appreciated

Jet

[parapaul]

Jetl3on said:

Just received my new 3 piece split rims, all polished lip, lacquered centers with chrome bolts all round, however they look an absolute nightmare to clean, so before I discover the inevitable, can anyone recommend a wax/sealant for the polished lip and advise on how to protect/clean around those bolts without having to spend all day using a toothbrush.

Appreciated

Jet

For a sealant - Chemical Guys Wheel Guard. It's excellent. As for cleaning in the nooks and crannies, I use a foaming non-acid wheel cleaner. Spray on, let it soak, and blast with pressure washer. This stuff:

http://shop.autobritedirect.co.uk/very-cherry-acid...

[morebeanz]

Meguiars (and other brands) do a circular section brush that I have for cleaning around bolts and such - very useful for split rims, I would have thought.

Like this:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

[Jetl3on]

Just ordered some Very berry and a brush, so thanks.
Next question, as these wheels are new, what are the recommended preventative maintenance tips, I have heard a wax is good to seal and protect polished alloy, dirt apprarently sticks to the wax and not get to the metal, then all I have to do is wash and go, any Waxy recommendations?

[ma99hew]

???? dont use wheel acid on wheels!! best thing is soapy water,

acid eats away at stuff!! trust me been there done that got the certificate!!!

to protect them use a silicone spray. then the dirt only sticks to the silicone and not the wheel.

1, pressure wash 1st
2, soapy water sponge
3, clean with chamois or towel
4, spray with silicone

[kds keltec]

Here is a post i wrote which has some links and small info about polished diamond cut faces and wheel cleaners

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

some info will help you

Kelly

[Jetl3on]

ma99hew said:

???? dont use wheel acid on wheels!! best thing is soapy water,

acid eats away at stuff!! trust me been there done that got the certificate!!!

to protect them use a silicone spray. then the dirt only sticks to the silicone and not the wheel.

1, pressure wash 1st
2, soapy water sponge
3, clean with chamois or towel
4, spray with silicone

Thats how I usually clean my wheels, but with these new ones with polished rim and countless studs, crud gets into places a sponge cant reach. Very Berry do 2 types, Acid and Acid Free, I ordered the latter, is that no good?

What silicone product do you recommend?

[morebeanz]

I'd be a little careful of using silicon products, it can cause a lot of problems if you ever need to paint. I understand that it's very difficult to remove all traces before painting.

I use a wheel wax, which can be awkward aroud the bolts, but it's not that tough to apply.

[952man]

Your options are:
Solid (thick paste in reality) wheel wax like Rimwax, which will take a good half hour per wheel - it takes over an hour on wire wheels (each corner) or:
Spray on wheel coat, like Zymol Wheel Wax coat - application takes seconds, but it does wash off each time, taking the dirt with it, wheras rimwax lasts approx. 2,000 miles per coat and therefore several washes.