Cleaning OEM 240z steel wheels

[GeoJoe]

I just bought my 240z a couple of weeks ago and was surprised to find this set of OEM steelies for sale nearby. What's the best method to clean these up to looking "like new?"

Edited February 4, 2013 by GeoJoe

[kjohnson2444]

If you are talking about the wheels in the photos, then they are not OEM and they are not steel. They are aluminum wheels and can be cleaned up with aluminum polish and a lot of elbow grease. Here's a product that looks easy, but I've never used it:

[rcb280z]

Check your local shop also. A friend had his cleaned and polished for 75 bucks a wheel.

[GeoJoe]

If you are talking about the wheels in the photos, then they are not OEM and they are not steel.

Thanks! It's obvious I have a lot to learn here. I thought these were stock wheels and center caps that came on the 240z. Are they all aftermarket parts?

[LeonV]

Thanks! It's obvious I have a lot to learn here. I thought these were stock wheels and center caps that came on the 240z. Are they all aftermarket parts?

Yes, dealer add-ons usually.

[CW240Z]

Your local auto parts store like O'Reilly will carry a polish that can be used to clean the wheels up nicely. Depending on how much you clean them, they can give off a shine that looks like chrome. I've used this product from Mother's with great results on mags and the intake/carb setup on my vehicles.

Mothers® 5100 - Mag & Aluminum Polish | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Hope this helps,

Chase

[CW240Z]

Also, I'm not sure if those are the correct wheel lugs for mags. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the ones I've seen and know of are deeper and set flush with the wheel surface. Maybe check into that just to make sure it's a safe setup.

Chase

[GeoJoe]

Also, I'm not sure if those are the correct wheel lugs for mags. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the ones I've seen and know of are deeper and set flush with the wheel surface. Maybe check into that just to make sure it's a safe setup.

Chase

Great point! Those were the lugs on the old set of Fondmetal wheels. Anyone see value in these? I can't stand 'em. Seem rare. Italian made and up for sale.

[Arne]

Yes, the Fondmetals are rare. And... let's just say that they are an acquired taste.

[CW240Z]

Another tip I found useful cleaning my mag wheels was using a very fine steel wool and the Mothers compound. It produced a great shine.

[tlorber]

Looking at the condition of those wheels, and depending upon how shiny you want them, you will probably need to wet sand them (800 grit, possibly courser) and then buff with a drill mounted wheel and some rouge-then hit with mothers. It is a lot of work but if you really like the wheels you can get them to clean up nicely.

[GeoJoe]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'm considering plastidipping the silver wheels instead of shining them up now. Gotta love options....