clearcoat rims?

[2000]

ok, just how do you know for sure if a rim is clear coated? I assume that mine are as they are factory gm rims, so the next question is can you use metal polish if it has clear coat? I've always used wax. how about polish...any benifit?
last of all my rims have minor damage from what I quess was from someone with acid wash?
sorry if pictures are screwed up its my frist time posting any.
any ideas what these scar marks are and is there a way to get them off?
thanks!

[2000]

ok the photos didn't work.fairly new to this computer stuff! can some one helpme out?

[Slats]

Just hit the IMG button and you should be able to post pictures. I'm not very good at it either, so maybe someone else can help.

As far as the rims, is that your GM truck in the photo under your name? If so, those are clearcoated wheels -- I can picture them in my head. SInce the wheels are not bare metal, polish would clean and protect but wax should work just as good. Try to post some pics of the damage -- it may be that you just need to have them re-clearcoated at a body shop.

Slats

[Bri9801]

Originally posted by 2000
ok the photos didn't work.fairly new to this computer stuff! can some one helpme out?

How's this

[2000]

thank you very much! how you do that?
wanted to see if I could do it too.
ok, now to something important...any idea what is / caused this probelm? can it be fixed?
yes slats those are the two most expensive things in my life....my truck and my daughter....but I love them both and wouldn't trade either one!!

[2000]

aw, no one has ever ran into this before?

[diogenes]

it looks like yer clear coat is falling off. It happened to me on my pick up to when I sprayed some cleaner that was too hot on my rims.

Just a reason to buy some good rims, and a matching set for my bass boats trailer.

What kinda wheel cleaner did you use on them? Mine was in a purplish red bottle - need to go look in the shed to see what brand it was.

[2000]

unfortunatly they were that way when I got the truck. I only use meguiars # 36. I'm guessing the dealership "detailer" used a acid wash and either wasn't carful or just didn't care, but thats only a guess. I was hoping that someone had a magic cure that didn't in inculde the phrase "mounting and balancing"

[Rick]

Well if it bothers you enough you can have the wheel refinished. It's not the cheapest thing, but cheaper than buying a new wheel. Find a local wheel polishing place and have them look at it.

[2000]

thanks rick,
I'll probably try to wait and buy new rims if it comes to that!
just was hoping there was something that I could do, but I knew that was probably wishful thinking.
I can't believe that someone would do that!
have you ever personally dealt with having something polished? is there anything I need to be aware of?
thanks again!

[Rick]

I got a quote once for having my uncoated alluminum wheels polished and cleared once and the price scared me away. It was something like $600 if I recall (for all 4), which really is probably a good deal considering the work they'd have had to do, but it wasn't in my budget back then.

Actually, they might not have to polish it much if any, it looks to me (I'm no expert here) like the old clear could just be stripped off and then the whole wheel recleared. I know the polishing part is what takes so long, especially if done by hand.

Or... you could just get your wheels chromed ok ok I'll stop rambling.

[WHITE HONDA]

www.aaarims.com that should help you with the rims

[2000]

hello earthling,
sweet site, alot cheaper than anything I found around here, can't wait to call them monday!

[RamAirV1]

Clean the wheel. Apply metal polish to the part of the wheel where the finish is damaged. If the applicator turns black, there is no clearcoat left on that par of the wheel.

One thing you might try is to touch up the damaged parts of the wheel with clearcoat touch-up paint. You've got nothing to lose and it probably won't take that long. Polish the parts (Gold Class Metal Restorer) where the clearcoat is gone then use something like 3M Bug and Tar remover to remove the polish resuidue before you paint. Apply the touch up paint in thin coats with the brush that comes with it. You may want to use a smaller brush on smaller areas.

RamAirV1

[2000]

that is definftly a plan that I will try AFTER I have the money saved up to buy new ones. I 'm after if I make the mistake it will be harder for me to live with than someone elses mistakes. Its definitly plan a though. have you personally tried that? if so I take it you had good results?