Hey all,

My '03 QC came with the 20" aluminum wheels and they looked real purdy until about 1 month ago when I let my brother talk me into letting him try a new wheel cleaner with a soft brush to supposedly get them really nice and clean. Well, I noticed a day later a whole series of microscratches in them that had not been there before.

It had to have been the brush and/or the wheel cleaner that was used. The can of this stuff said it was definitely aluminum wheel safe, but I'm convinced the rather *enthusiastic* way he had of using that brush on them caused the scratches.

Question is, what do you all think would be a better way to get them flawless again (bearing in mind they still look great, but they're not *perfect* anymore like I kept them) -- get them fully chromed or simply have someone do a professional polishing of them?

I'm assuming the chroming would be pretty expensive compared to polishing them out, and I would like a little more of the bling effect, but I really did and still do like the aluminum look. Also I've heard chroming over aluminum wheels can be a problem. What's the deal with polishing? Does it make a big difference?

Comments? Advice? Thanks for any responses.

 

It would be cheaper to buy a new set before chroming them. There is a place on EBay loaced in FL that sells a new set for $699 plus shipping. You can then turn around and sell yours, hense cheaper than plating.

As for polishing them back to good looking, if the clear is still healthy it can be done by a pro, not sure how much it would cost though. You could also do it but it would tak a lot of time and a few tools. Rotary tool and a buffer. Use maquires swirl remover, I think it is #7, but do not quote me on that.

 

Chrome, as wonderful as it looks, will add weight to an already HEAVY wheel set. I'm concerned too much about performance to add that weight to a wheels.

 

ditto what todd said..

if it was me, I'd upgrade to some 17's.

 

Thanks for the replies, but I really like the looks of the 20's, even knowing they're heavy.

I think I'll look into polishing them myself.

 

Mother's has that new Powerball out. Give it a try with some Mother's chrome polish or Meguiars Scratch-X. Then they will be back to some serious Bling-Bling.

 

If your rims are mirror finished its actualy a plastic cover over the rim.

 

Thanks, osteo. I'll look for that stuff.

And Haulin, they're not the mirror finish ones, they're the original aluminum ones with no plastic coating of any kind.

 

Before you do anything go out and get yourself a can of Brasso. The best metal polish around. You cn get it in the grocery store. cost less then $4.00 This is what we used in the military. great stuff. It will take any scratch out just use a soft towel.

 

ditto Eagle... been there done that too......