Info on 2008 GT Premium wheels
10-25-2011, 03:32 PM
#1
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Rocket City, AL
Posts: 331
Info on 2008 GT Premium wheels
Can anyone tell me whether or not these wheels ('08 GT/CS with 18" stock wheels) have a clear coat on them? The previous owner put in a fair amount of micro scratches all over the wheels that I cant seem to get out. Thanks
Last edited by Rocket254; 10-25-2011 at 03:36 PM.
10-25-2011, 04:12 PM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 217
while i can't say for sure what scratches you see the "polished" 18s are clearcoated. they were stock on cs, shelby gt and optional on all others.
while they are "polished" its not meant to be a high gloss chrome like polish, just a step or so less which is why i like them more than the chrome ones that were available as an accessory set, its more a slight satin finish w the glossy clearcoat on top.
if i look at mine in direct sunlight they have a somewhat "scratchy" appearence, on the shaded side they appear more chrome like.
if you are up against actual real scratches you might be able to get them out the clear w paint polishes, scratch removers etc. DO NOT use polishes that are meant to be used on untreated polished bare aluminum.
i do polish mine a few times a year and use wheelwax (from autogeek, just because i'm not sure if regular wax can stand the tire and break heat).
while they are "polished" its not meant to be a high gloss chrome like polish, just a step or so less which is why i like them more than the chrome ones that were available as an accessory set, its more a slight satin finish w the glossy clearcoat on top.
if i look at mine in direct sunlight they have a somewhat "scratchy" appearence, on the shaded side they appear more chrome like.
if you are up against actual real scratches you might be able to get them out the clear w paint polishes, scratch removers etc. DO NOT use polishes that are meant to be used on untreated polished bare aluminum.
i do polish mine a few times a year and use wheelwax (from autogeek, just because i'm not sure if regular wax can stand the tire and break heat).
10-29-2011, 09:09 AM
#3
Cut & Paste Expert
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 13,322
Yep, clearcoat.
I only touch mine with a microfiber lubbed with car wash soap.
They then get treated like the clearcoat on the vehicle to some wax.
The dirtier you let them get before cleaning, the more chance you
have of scratching the clearcoat with the excessive dirt as it is removed.
The firstmost mistake is owners using a caustic wheel cleaner. Use nothing
you would not use on the hood of your stang to clean those OEM 18" rims.
I only touch mine with a microfiber lubbed with car wash soap.
They then get treated like the clearcoat on the vehicle to some wax.
The dirtier you let them get before cleaning, the more chance you
have of scratching the clearcoat with the excessive dirt as it is removed.
The firstmost mistake is owners using a caustic wheel cleaner. Use nothing
you would not use on the hood of your stang to clean those OEM 18" rims.
11-19-2011, 11:25 AM
#6
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 12,260
11-19-2011, 05:05 PM
#7
5th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,228
Here is what you need to do:
Remove wheels from car
Clean wheels with car wash soap of your choice, just like cleaning the rest of the paint
Claybar wheels all around (inside and out)
Use polish of choice to remove swirl marks from the wheels
Use sealant/wax of choice to wax the wheels inside and out
Wash car atleast twice a month, including wheels (inside and out, though you don't have to take them off every time)
Wax wheels (inside and out) every time you wax the car (which IMO should be like once a month)
That is what I do, and the brake dust/dirt comes off easy every time I wash the car. My personal recommendation is to wax 1+ times a month, wash once a week, and make sure your brake pads are in good shape to help keep the dusting down.
As for product recommendations, if you don't already have personal favorites, I like Adam's products. Specifically the car soap for the soap, SHR and FMP for polish, and MSW (sealant) for wax. Mother's claybars work great, and if you have to, Meg's gold class soap works pretty good too. As for towels, Adam's towels are totally superior to the microfibers you normally buy at a store.
Remove wheels from car
Clean wheels with car wash soap of your choice, just like cleaning the rest of the paint
Claybar wheels all around (inside and out)
Use polish of choice to remove swirl marks from the wheels
Use sealant/wax of choice to wax the wheels inside and out
Wash car atleast twice a month, including wheels (inside and out, though you don't have to take them off every time)
Wax wheels (inside and out) every time you wax the car (which IMO should be like once a month)
That is what I do, and the brake dust/dirt comes off easy every time I wash the car. My personal recommendation is to wax 1+ times a month, wash once a week, and make sure your brake pads are in good shape to help keep the dusting down.
As for product recommendations, if you don't already have personal favorites, I like Adam's products. Specifically the car soap for the soap, SHR and FMP for polish, and MSW (sealant) for wax. Mother's claybars work great, and if you have to, Meg's gold class soap works pretty good too. As for towels, Adam's towels are totally superior to the microfibers you normally buy at a store.
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