Need: tips on the proper way to keep chrome rims looking good.

[jmeccia]

I just got a 98 Z28 and the car came with 17'' Enkei V1s!!! :thumbup: Now, I took the car to this local reputable car wash today (mistake) and the guy assured me that their wheel cleaner wouldnt hurt the wheels. At the wash they looked good, but when I got home and bent down to wipe the remaining water i noticed that the rims were discolored where the chemical obivously made its first contact. I grabbed some Black Magic chrome rim cleaner and it helped a lot, but the rim --although it looks good even at a close glance-- has a rough feel where the discoloration was.

Can i polish the chrome lip on my wheels? If so, what should I use? And for future reference, can I wax them to help keep them clean?

Thanks! Any and All tips are greatly appreciated!

[cixelsyD21]

I havent been back to a touchless carwash since I got my rims. The guide rails gave my old hubcaps (luckily) so much curbrash. sure, me nailing a curb making a quick turn didnt help any either, but I learned how to stop that!

[Shirl]

Just use soap and water on your rims. Never use any of type of spray cleaners. I don't even trust the ones that are made for chrome wheels. If your wheels are hot and you spray that stuff on, they get damaged. You could try using Mother's polish and buffing it out. The rough areas may remain rough. I noticed that I have them also. I think it is because the chemicals in those spray cleaners are too harsh for the chrome. Just (car) soap and water and a good polish afterward is the way to do it.

[fbody4life]

I use windex and regular kitchen paper towels. Make sure the wheels are cool, it really makes cleaning easier. Windex is totally safe for chrome and works perfect.

[jmeccia]

Ok, ive gotten the rims to look a lot better (eagle one never dull worked the best). But they're still a little spotted. I was wondering, since the enkei v1s are a two piece rim, can i have them seperated and the lips re-dipped in chrome? has anyone heard of this or done it? better yet, does anyone know of a place that chromes things?

Thanks

[The Sandman]

The reason why your rims became discolored is because of the clearcoat on the rim. You don't really need to have your rims clearcoated, but most do anyways. Try a claybar if you have it, although I'm not sure if it will work due to chemical discoloration. If this doesn't work, use a medium strength abrasive like rubbing compound.

[splifster]

I stay away from polishes and abrasive brushes. I also agree that the best thing to use is Windex and paper towels, have been using over a year with no problems to my rims.