aluminum rims

[doberman]

Any suggestions on how to bring back the polished finish on my factory rims? Have only used approved cleaners and a soft mitt. 2004 f350 4x4 TD

[stephenw]

Don't know if your rims have a clear coat or not? If so, then I have had good success with a coat of wax over a polishing compound. If not, then both Mothers Metal Polish and Blue Magic seem to do a nice job, either take a bit of elbow grease.

[Sn0wMan]

Mothers aluminum polish has worked best for me. More you rub the better it will look.

[Dieselhound]

There are two types of coatings on Aluminum rims these days. Clear powdercoat or Brite-dip anodizing. My lariat rims seem to be anodized and just washing them with car soap and fuzzy mit, plus drying them with a towel makes them look like new.

[johnsonswamp]

Originally Posted by stephenw

Blue Magic seem to do a nice job

That stuff works great, just don't breath any of the fumes..

[Pkupman82]

I have a set of factory 10 hole aluminum rims on my 84 F150. My concern is, I am planning on installing a new exhaust on this truck; I am wanting to run the tailpipe out the passenger side in front of the rear tire. I heard rumors doing this will harm the finish on aluminum wheels, is this true? Any feedback is appreciated!

[72Lester]

Originally Posted by Pkupman82

I have a set of factory 10 hole aluminum rims on my 84 F150. My concern is, I am planning on installing a new exhaust on this truck; I am wanting to run the tailpipe out the passenger side in front of the rear tire. I heard rumors doing this will harm the finish on aluminum wheels, is this true? Any feedback is appreciated!

It will definitely "smoke" the color of the rim it is in front of due to heat, exhaust gases, etc leaving it with a brownish tint...but the degree of discolor depends on how close it is to the wheel and how hot your exhaust is. Some 1997 F-150s came factory with exhaust in front of the wheel and it permanently smoked the rims although the ones I saw were steel-painted not aluminum so I don't know how aluminum would hold up. Ford went away from that style because of the discoloration and it would also cause condensation to build up in the rear brake assembly and then freeze in cold climates...which I saw for myself on our work trucks many times while living in NoDak. I think if you went with dual exhaust (disperses the gases & heat so one wheel doesn't get it all) and rotated your wheels frequently it won't be as much of a problem.

[boxcar1974]

Originally Posted by doberman

Any suggestions on how to bring back the polished finish on my factory rims?
Have only used approved cleaners and a soft mitt.
2004 f350 4x4 TD

A good wash, clay bar, and wax should do the trick. I have the older lariet wheels and they still look good with 60K miles on them.

[Pkupman82]

Originally Posted by 72Lester

It will definitely "smoke" the color of the rim it is in front of due to heat, exhaust gases, etc leaving it with a brownish tint...but the degree of discolor depends on how close it is to the wheel and how hot your exhaust is. Some 1997 F-150s came factory with exhaust in front of the wheel and it permanently smoked the rims although the ones I saw were steel-painted not aluminum so I don't know how aluminum would hold up. Ford went away from that style because of the discoloration and it would also cause condensation to build up in the rear brake assembly and then freeze in cold climates...which I saw for myself on our work trucks many times while living in NoDak. I think if you went with dual exhaust (disperses the gases & heat so one wheel doesn't get it all) and rotated your wheels frequently it won't be as much of a problem.

I don't want to run duals anymore I'm tired of busting hangers all the time. I was hoping I would be able to run my tailpipe before the rear tires, it would be cheaper and easier that way. But if I must run it behind the rear tires I'll do it, it has to be somewhat quiet... if it's too loud; I won't be able to run my truck in the dunes. Your input is greatly appreciated, any other suggestions? Thanx again!
Pkupman82

[skrappy]

find a good polishing compound and once theyre polished use corn starch on them to clean the black gunk out of the pits

[TexasGuy001]

Purple Polish is by far the best and easiest. If they are factory wheels they probably don't need polish though.