[Ed and Sandra]

First of all, we very much appreciate the suggestions made earlier with respect to obtaining and using a "California Duster." It works great!

Our current question has to do with cleaning the aluminum wheels. We've used espree ultra wheel magic cleaner for all wheels a couple of times and it does an "OK" job. However, we suspect there might be something better on the market and would like your recommendations in that respect (hopefully ones for a product which doesn't risk damage to the paint finish from any inadvertent overspray).

Best regards,
Ed and Sandra

 

[RDH]

I have only used NuFinish car polish on both the car surfaces (painted and chrome) as well as the chrome wheels. I have tried all the other waxes, etc. and nothing seems to work better. It is not some fancy high priced wax, but it works better than anything I have ever used and I have owned Porches, Vettes and Maserati's among other great sports cars over the last 25 years. AND it is about the easiest to put on and take off. Give it a try. I hope you are as satisfied as I have been.

 

[Caly]

Use the same soap you wash the car with. I have a soft "spoke" brush and a soft wide brush to make it easier.

Fix a little soapy water in a bucket and do the wheels first only. I spend almost as much time on the wheels as the rest of the car and the rest of the car would be spotted up before I could dry it.

After washing the wheels, DUMP THAT BUCKET OF WATER; the brake dust is pretty abrasive and you shouldn't be washing the car with it.

New batch of soapy water to wash the car.

I also use a water-blade to get most of the water off, then 100% cotten towels to finish.

 

[tim harris]

best wax

Try Maguires #26 yellow paste wax on all surfaces except rubber. You will end up with a great wet looking finish. Reguards, Tim

 

[bumbleent]

Armorall makes a soap that requires no drying. You wet the car, apply the soap with a mitt, rinse with a non-nozzled hose and let it dry in the shade. No spotting, no streaking. It's amazingly easy.

 

[jackewells]

I've had great luck with Zaino Products........Check their website

www.zainostore.com..........You'll love this polish :flag

 

[Guest]

Out west here in California we don't get to much rain so I just wipe my Foose chrome rims down with an old sock, which I have a box full, which puts them right back into shape. When, and if, I ever get the wheels wet, I use a rim spray and just spray them clean, let them dry and wipe off with a partially wet towel.

I also use a water-blade to get most of the water off, then 100% cotten towels to finish.

 

[brooksmorris]

I, too, vote for Nu-Finish.
Easiest to apply, and results are great.
I wash the car first and the wheels last.
Guess that's personal preference, but I don't have to change the water to do the wheels.
Don't have a problem with spotting if you use a good dry towel or sock.

 

[RDH]

Brooksmorris: Good get!!!

 

[aviator]

Griot's Garage

I like Griot's products.

What I recommend is this:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1001&SKU=11131

Its a starter kit, but has everything you REALLY need.

I especially like "Speed Shine"