wborst wrote:
We just traded our 5th wheel for a 2003 Newmar Mountain Aire. The coach is in great shape and the paint is excellent. But the polished aluminum wheels have been neglected and have a lot of oxidation. What is the best way to bring them back to life?
Thanks for all ideas.
Bil
Bill,
For any of us to make an accurate judgment on just what your wheels will need, to bring them back to the brilliant shine, without actually seeing them and, the condition they are presently in, is pretty tough. Each set of wheels, and it's condition when a polishing system is started, is different. The type, amount and style of polishing, be it mechanized or, by hand, can make a difference and, can either cut down on your time or, extend it, based on starting conditions.
If you look at my wheels below, you're seeing the result of multiple types of polish, using different types of cloth. I've tried no less than a dozen different polishes, pastes, rouges, liquids and, they're all pretty close in the results they bring out. Polishing aluminum, be it wheels, or motorcycle parts or, whatever, IS LABOR, PERIOD! Everyone's got their preference. Heck, different parts of the country sell different products.
There is no magic elixir that you simply "spray or wipe" on and, vuaallllla, the wheels are shiny, AIN'T HAPPENING!!
Some pastes, like Semi-Chrome, (which has been around since Jesus was a pup) is good stuff but, while it does bring out a pretty good shine, there are better products for a more superior shine. I will say, as anyone who's done serious work on polishing aluminum, it's a really dirty process. I mean, your fingers get really BLACK. You're removing oxidation and raw aluminum at the same time. And, the finer the finish, the shinier it becomes and, that means, the longer it will last between touch ups. I do mine about once ever 8 - 10 months or so. When I start the process, they look like they don't need any "touch up" but, as I do each wheel, you really can tell the difference.
As has been stated, if one doesn't have the time, place or materials to do the work needed, then the most advantageous approach would be to hire an individual or, company to do the work. I've never hired any so, I have no idea what the charges are. Good luck.
Scott
There is no magic fix for the rims, but to keep polishing them until they shine. "lj2654" gave you the best advice. Mothers or Flitz polishing compound with one of the foam buffing balls or a Flitz polishing tool (just like the Mother's polishing ball, but made of little flaps).
Now here is the secret. I use to think using a lot of polish was the way to do it. Using a lot of polish just makes a mess. On a wheel that is not in bad shape, you should be able to polish it with just a thimble of polish. Take your lug nut covers and caps off to make the job easier.
Once you get them polished, keep them covered when not on a trip. After you get them looking good, it will only take a few minutes every so often to make them really shine.
Now here is the secret. I use to think using a lot of polish was the way to do it. Using a lot of polish just makes a mess. On a wheel that is not in bad shape, you should be able to polish it with just a thimble of polish. Take your lug nut covers and caps off to make the job easier.
Once you get them polished, keep them covered when not on a trip. After you get them looking good, it will only take a few minutes every so often to make them really shine.
