69ssrscam

Need some help here. I have a set of factory '03 TL-S (17 x 6.5) wheels with some very fine scratches in the clear coating. It looks like the scratches were made from a spinning wheel brush cleaner in a drive through car wash designed to scrub tires, but since the TL-S had low profile tires the brush contacted the wheel spokes. The scratches are very fine and run vertically on all of the spokes. You can only see them when the light is just at a certain angle. I would like to get these wheels looking great so I could sell them or run them. They have no tires on them so I can send them off to be repolished or recoated if necessary. I've seen this type of damage on lots of Honda wheels, probably because of their + offsets.

Anyone have any great idea on how to get the scratches out of the clear coating? Or will I have to send the wheels off to be redone? If so, does anyone have any good contacts that refinish wheels?

69ssrscam

Damn, Not even any smart ass answers....

Severin

Have you tried chrome polish yet? It really does remove scratches, ones you would think would not even come out.

cubanlinx

Dont scratch them ?

NYZGREATST

chrome polish should do it.

pistacio

iTrader: (1)

I've done it!! My wheels were the same way. I used a product that polishes all metals even though the wheels are clearcoated and your not actually polishing the metal. I don't know the exact name of the product (in my bro's detail shop). But I guess buffing compound could do it too. Make sure when you do rub it in, that you use strokes that go horizontally, or else you'll just put more scratches in them. It made an incredible difference in the "shine" of the wheel.

EDIT-Make sure you take your time. Patience is the key. It may take more than one pass to remove the scratches effectively. Took me about an hour and a half (maybe less).
You might be able to cut that time in half if you try it with an electric buffer.

TeknoKing

pistacio try to get the name of the product your bro uses. thanx

pistacio

iTrader: (1)

Just thought of it. the product is called "SPEEDY--marine all metal polish". I think its pretty old and I don't know where to get it , but any metal or aluminum polish (Mothers maybe) should do the same.

Sorry if I wasn't much help, but I gave it my best.

Just found a link before I posted:
http://www.speedymetalpolish.com/

t0ast

If you're sure the scratches are in the clearcoat, just use zaino. Zaino has a polish for removing fine scratches in clearcoat for paints. I assume it'll work on all clearcoats.

69ssrscam

Special thanks to pistacio, Severin, & tOast. I'll try to find this Speedy marine metal polish or a similar product and give it a try. I have access to a pnumatic polishing tool so that should make it go easier. I really apprecaite your feedback. Man I love this forum.

Oh, and it this works well I'll have the wheels on the black market section in a couple of weeks....('03 TL-S 17 x 6.5s)

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

DO NOT USE METAL POLISH.

Our OEM wheels are clearcoated. Treat them just like a painted surface.

Use a good wax/polymer...Zaino is great.

SMF-TLS

NSXNEXT is right. When I noticed scratches on my wheels, I checked out the chrome polish and it says right on it, do not use on clear coated or painted wheels. I used Meguiar's NXT on the wheels (after cleaning) and I can't see the scratches anymore.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Actually NXT is probably a better choice since it has fillers in it and it's a polymer. Good call SMF-TLS

69ssrscam

Thanks SMF-TLS & NSXNEXT, I'll try the Meguiars NXT and work that in and see how it goes. The scratches are deffinately in the clearcoat and not the metal. I just hope I don't have to strip the coating and have them recoated. Not even sure if this is feasable....

Thanks!!!!

SMF-TLS

They can be refinished, but I think its costly. Also, just make sure you thoroughly clean the wheels before applying the nxt. Let it dry and then buff off with a soft cloth.

SMF-TLS

Thanks!

69ssrscam

Yeah, no problem there. The wheels are not mounted and I have them spotless. At least I'll be able to work on them flat.

jazzpicker

Try this, it worked for me after getting my wheels scratched in a carwash...
http://www.mobilewheelrepair.com

pistacio

iTrader: (1)

The metal polish was not my first choice but it worked and no harm has been done to the wheels. But your right in recommending a product for clearcoat because, after all, they are clearcoated.

Sorry for misleading anyone.