are the 17 inch 5 split spoke aluminum wheels on my 05 mustang coated? can i use mothers aluminum polish on them?

 

I would bet they are clearcoated- polished (cast anyway) aluminum oxidizes so fast it aint funny. Alcoa has started offering 'dura-brite' on forged truck wheels- I hope this eventually migrates over to automotive...looks bright but not the blingy chrome look, and its a rinse only type thing to clean...basically its acid bath/coating that hardcoats the aluminum preventing oxidation and keeping the original machined finish intact- but wont chip/peel like clearcoat or chrome. I think it only works on the forged 6061 alloys though...

 

I don't know 100% for sure.. but I would be willing to bet that there IS A PLASTIC type of coating on your rims .. as well as mine.. I have the 17" Painted-Aluminum (stock on GT) has that old Crager look ... I worked for Honda and Acura for many years and I do know 100% that there wheels have a plastic type of coating on them.. so I would think Ford would due the same, or they would have to warranty to many wheels after 3 years ( when they start looking bad after no protection on the wheels )

so bottom line .. yes there is a coating on them IMO.. and using something on them other then elbow grease is going to ruin your wheels...

just my $.02 worth.. take it as such


Rex