Help polishing OEM wheels.

[DCT]

I bought a 2001 Suburban a few months ago and the wheels need help. Can you recommend a wheel polish for these oem wheels (pic attached). The wheels have water marks and are dull. I tried the Mothers brand polishes and even one of the polishing wheels you attach to a drill, and no luck. Do they have to be polished by a professional wheel shop? Thanks for the help.

 

[TahoeHump]

When you used the Mother's Metal Polish did it produce a black residue while rubbing it? If it didn't the wheel most likely has a clear coat and my guess is they won't improve too much unless you spend some money. I would like at new wheels if that is the case.

 

[DCT]

Unfortunately you are correct. No black residue with the Mothers polish.

 

[TahoeHump]

I had the same wheel on my '03 and the same issue. I ended buying some takeoffs from a 2011 Silverado, 18in 5 spoke. I think you can see them on my avatar. I like them and they were very resonable and of course had new tires, which I was in need of anyway.

 

[WHITEOUT]

it can be done, IF your willing to spend the time to remove the clear coat. Most OEM aluminum wheels are clear coated, so..... I would say just get a new set of takeoffs. Can pic em up cheap w/ tires

 

[2000YukonSLE]

i agree also if you want to save the money try it yourself and like said above it will take time. what i did on another vehicle i had was i used rubbing compound and not the turtle wax kind you get at Walmart or wherever, i used the 3M..pricey but great product... its a long process but works great. maybe an hr on each wheel. kind of like the polish, rub it on and buff to a shine. may take several times on each wheel depends how bad they are. just a thought if your looking to save some money! good luck

 

[WHITEOUT]

Easiest way to remove the clear is with paint stripper. There are plenty of writeup online about clear cost removal for wheels. Really wouldn't be too hard to get off clear coat tho, then polish up if so inclined. A few hours of your time and it could be done.

Just said buy new wheels cause they can be picked up cheap. But understand wanting to refinish yours.

 

[DCT]

Great info. The reason I wanted to keep the wheels is because the truck came with 4 brand new Michelin tires. $200 plus each. I'm tempted to strip the clearcoat. I will look into both options. Thanks.