SCVJeff
Santa Clarita, CA.
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Joined: 07/28/2006
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I have both the large and small Mothers, and Flitz polishing balls. I think the large Flitz ball does a better job and is more rugged than the Mothers foam ball (Flitz is made of felt strips). For the tight spaces the small Mothers ball is better only because of the way the extension shaft is built. Either one will bring them back to a mirror finish as long as you're not fighting a deteriorated clear coat. I have to keep on mine since most of our camping is 100' from the ocean. Takes about 15 min per wheel as long as I stay on it. I also use a 2200RPM AC drill rather than the much slower portable drills. In this case it makes a huge time difference.
Jeff - WA6EQU
'06 Itasca Meridian 34H, CAT C7/350
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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Joined: 06/05/2006
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Alcoa sells a line of products for cleaning and protecting their non clear coated aluminum wheels. Aluminum Care Information.
I have used the products with great success. Purchased the products at CW.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A
Saf-TTE tire monitor
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rjcalif
Garlic Capital of the World - Gilroy, CA
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Joined: 10/20/2003
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I also use the Power Balls (both sizes) and Mother's Billet Polish on my Accuride wheels. Takes me 10-15 mins per wheel to make them shine like the 22's on a non-citizens boom-box special. If your wheels have a lot of haze or deep scratches use Mother's Power Metal scratch remover first. To keep your wheels clean in between time use a mild cleaner that is not alkaline or ammonia based. Alkaline and ammonia will cause haze. I keep a spray bottle of diluted orange oil cleaner and a couple rags which makes quick cleanups very easy.
RJ.... + wife + 2 teenage boys (13 & 15) + 2 dogs (1 big & 1 small)
2000 American Eagle 40DS and 2000 Suburban 2500 4x4 aka: super toad (looks small.. don't it)
Our photo albums
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riggarob
Farmington, NH
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Joined: 09/30/2005
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rjcalif wrote:I also use the Power Balls (both sizes) and Mother's Billet Polish on my Accuride wheels. Takes me 10-15 mins per wheel to make them shine like the 22's on a non-citizens boom-box special. If your wheels have a lot of haze or deep scratches use Mother's Power Metal scratch remover first. To keep your wheels clean in between time use a mild cleaner that is not alkaline or ammonia based. Alkaline and ammonia will cause haze. I keep a spray bottle of diluted orange oil cleaner and a couple rags which makes quick cleanups very easy.
I use "Sprayway" glass cleaner, or Miguires "Quick Detailer" while I'm traveling. When I pull into a truck stop/rest area, for a break. I get out some soft rags, and just spray a little of either one on , and just wipe it dry. Quick and easy, and keeps a good shine 'till the next break.
08 Fleetwood Providence 40X
FL-XC
US Gear Braking system
Blue OX towing system
06 Saturn Vue AWD toad
Wife and best friend Martha Baby
SweetPea - 15 year old "Maine coon cat" still mean as ever
Beware of those who point their finger the LOUDEST !
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Eric & Penny
Manitoba, Canada
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Joined: 10/26/2004
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ohdh wrote:I own a wheel repair company, so I know of where I speak.
ohdh
Would you by any chance happen to know what works well to remove rust on aluminum wheels?
Thanks
Eric
Eric & Penny
2003 GMCSierra 2500HD/SB/Vortec V8/6.0/4:10
2005 Crossroads Cruiser CF27RL
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cire
Roamin da USA
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Joined: 11/27/2003
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If you have dull wheels the only choice is using a polishing compound with some sort of abrasive wheel. I too have a Fritz ball but what I have found that works far better is the round cloth wheels that look like 30 sheets of cotton sewn together, cut in in circle then a hole is put in the center for a mandrel. Actually I use three different style of polishing wheels. The disc mentioned above. A ball about the size of your fist (or the size of a "Mothers" ball but a lot firmer.) I also use a cylinder shape to get in the holes.
Only use a "high speed" drill. Don't even bother with a battery drill. You need a polishing compound. I use Fritz paste, but there are many other that seem to work as well. The material is just very fine polishing compound. Any body supply shop, many truck stops and occasionally vendors are RV supply shops and at RV shows have all the materials you might need.
If your wheels are now dull it might take a couple of cold ones per wheel.
Eric Perplies
full timing since 6/04 with best friend and wife: Suzie
1996 Bluebird Wanderlodge, 42'
towing a 99' Honda CRV with M&G braking system.
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LUeno
Southwest
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Joined: 07/13/2006
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I agree with CarlGeo, I just finished washing the rig (for the first time) and started polishing my wheels (also Alcoa's) and my aluminum polish did not turn black as it should when polishing (uncoated) aluminum.
So, I found out today that the wheels are clear coated. Oh and by the way Turtle Wax Car Wash worked great!
One last thing do not use aluminum jelly on your wheels it will make things worst, trust me.
LUeno
Captain: Pops
Ist Mate: Harlee "Vicious Attack Dog" only if you try to move her when she's sleeping...
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zmotorsports
Utah
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Joined: 11/29/2007
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When we bought our coach last year (2003 model)the wheels were terrible, I don't think they had ever had anything on them in the four-five years since the coach was new. For all my aluminum wheels on the coach as well as on all my personal vehicles and trailers I use a product from Busch Enterprise Inc. and the only place I have seen it advertised is in FMCA magazine. My cousin started using it also and was hooked on it also, so he ordered a display and started carrying it at his shop but you can order it directly from Busch's. I pull my wheels once a year and use a mini polisher from Matco Tools with a 3" wool polishing pad. It takes about an hour per wheel and then once a month (usually while sitting around a campground) I will polish them with the same Busch's Aluminum polish which takes about 5 minutes per wheel and they look great. We have the same problem with salt/sand here in Utah on the roads in the winter and it is extremely hard on aluminum wheels. This is also the same product I use on our street rods and show bikes as well. I am very please with the results. Mike.
Mike & Chrystal (F315002)
2003 Monaco Dynasty/ 26' Haulmark Edge trailer
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
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