What to use on Polished aluminum??

[Zaairman]

So, my new 20s are polished aluminum, and I'm wanting to polish the hell out of them, then put about six (maybe more, I've got awhile before I can afford tires) coats of wax on the wheels.  From past experience, I've had good luck with Meg's NXT metal polish, but am open to suggestions here.  What type of wax do you recommend?  The Mickey Thompson website just recommends a wax developed for custom wheels, but doesn't recommend anything.  So, recommendations?? 

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/tech.php?bulletin=t6

[Kitzy]

Bein brand new they shouldn't need much of a polish.  Maybe just a once over to clean them up if they sat for a bit.  I've only used one dedicated wheel wax and that was Chemical Guys.  I'm going to start using Optiseal since it's so easy to use and it's synthetic.  It should hold up fairly well and even if it doesn't it's so easy to apply that it isn't a big deal.  In the summer warm months my wheels stayed looking great just from using my wash solution on them and drying them.  I usually just wipe them down with Optimum IDGE as I'm going over the rest of the vehicle.  Winter is another story.  If you have to deal with bad weather in the winter it will take it's toll on polished aluminum.  Take them off in this case.  Don't be stupid like I was.

[Poorboy]

if you have the time I would get 3-4 coats of Wheel Sealant on them inside and out ... this will slow down any oxidation ... :thumbsiup:

[Too Stroked]

This may sound completely insane, but it works. A light , even coat of WD-40 will do wonders. Yes, you'll have to remove it someday (quite easy actually), but it absolutley stops oxidation in its tracks.

[Kitzy]

I've used the WD40 method on rotors that have been sitting on the shelf for a while.  Those are an absolute must to clean off before use.   :biglaugh:

[Lumadar]

Before you polish, are you 100% sure that they are not coated?

[Rockpick]

Before you polish, are you 100% sure that they are not coated?

x2.  This is a VERY important question.

A quick test --

Take a micro-dab of your favorite metal polish and find a spot on your wheel that is clean and free of debris (ie: wash the dang thing first!  LOL!)

With the dab on your finger, slowly (without aggressive pushing) rub the wheel in a tiny spot. Go for about 5 seconds.

One of two things will happen:

1.  If they're coated, your finger will still be the color of the polish; or...
2.  Your finger will go black if they're uncoated (the black is metal).

Report back.

-RP-

[Zaairman]

Before you polish, are you 100% sure that they are not coated?

From the link I posted:

M/T Classic II and Classic Lock wheels are not clear or powder coated.


There will be time for SEVERAL coats of whatever wax I decide on for the wheels.  The WD40 sounds like a good idea, but I don't think it'd look good.  Oh, and the wheels WILL be coming off for winter.  I'm keeping my stockers for that reason. 

[Zaairman]

Bumpity bump... Wheels will be here on Monday...    What kind of wax should I use?  Currently in my tub, I have NXT, NXT2.0, Megs #56 (boat wax), Pinnacle Souverign, Natty's Red, Gold Class, Megs #26, and.. I think thats it?   :hammer:

[Lumadar]

Bumpity bump... Wheels will be here on Monday...    What kind of wax should I use?  Currently in my tub, I have NXT, NXT2.0, Megs #56 (boat wax), Pinnacle Souverign, Natty's Red, Gold Class, Megs #26, and.. I think thats it?   :hammer:

Out of that, I would think NXT 2.0 would have the best shot at lasting, but I do not know anything about Natty's Red and durability...so maybe that one too (IDK).

Personally, I tend to use old stuff I don't use on paint (in your case NXT 1.0) just to use it up. Wax doesn't stand much of a chance on wheels anyway, so might as well use up the stuff you don't use.

[Too Stroked]

Since those new wheels are just going to be sitting in your living room, just about anything you put on them should last quite a while. So, I'd also suggest using your oldest / cheapest stuff (NXT 1.0 for instance) on them.

[Rockpick]

Ohhhh, man....

You think light switch training was bad; you're going to hate being a slave to those wheels.   :biglaugh:

Of what you have there, I'd go with the NXT.  Natty's Red, while a great finishing carnauba, isn't going to do much in a high-heat environment (ie: around your brakes).  NXT will be a continual application type of product too... you'll need to do it often.

A suggestion:  Get some Optimum SW and use it FREQUENTLY in between NXT hits.

[Kitzy]

How about instead of OCW (SW if your RP) you use Optimum's Opti-seal?  It applies the same way, wipe on and walk away, yet it's way more durable.

[Zaairman]

I have plenty of NXT1.0 that I need to get rid of, so the wheels will be getting plenty of coats of that. 

[Rockpick]

How about instead of OCW (SW if your RP) you use Optimum's Opti-seal?  It applies the same way, wipe on and walk away, yet it's way more durable.

Quite a bit pricier though.  :)  CW --- SW... you got the picture, didn't cha?  LOL!