Hi. I'm just wondering if someone could recommend the best way to keep my new chrome clads looking new and fresh? I sure don't want to harm the finish with any harsh compounds! Thanks.:lookaround:

I've been using old cut-up tee shirts for washing the clads - so there's no scratching. If you use any tire dressing products they will glaze the chrome over time. For the past 3 years, in the fall I've kept them looking new using Meguiars clearcoat polish (purple bottle). No issues so far and they look better than new plus they wash up with no fuss.

Hi. I'm just wondering if someone could recommend the best way to keep my new chrome clads looking new and fresh? I sure don't want to harm the finish with any harsh compounds! Thanks.file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/z01906as/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif I don’t believe in any “best” way. Most folks have their own favorite products, tools and processes they like to use. What matters is what works for you in your own scenario.

Having said that, I would start by keeping it simple. Care for your wheel faces as you would your paint (i.e. clean with a car wash soap, etc.). A couple of specific things I would suggest….



I wouldn’t advise using the same wash media for your wheels as you would on your paint (same goes for the wash solution). Buy a dedicated one for wheel duty only. It’s not that expensive for something relatively decent.
To help mitigate the chance of scratches, I would avoid using old rags and/or short-napped towels/cloths. Again, a decent wash mitt or even just a plush MF (microfiber) towel can be had for relatively cheap.
When applying tire dressings, apply the product to an applicator and then the tire. This will help avoid any messy overspray. If after application you do get a smudge or two, use a quick detailer and something like a soft MF towel to clean the residue off of the wheel face.
For the barrels of the wheels, there are a variety of tools you can choose from. Here are just a couple:

Wheel Woolies 3-Piece Kit, wheel cleaning tools, wheel brushes (http://www.autogeek.net/wheel-woolies.html)
Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush, auto detail brush, Wheel Brush, Tire Brush, Detailing Brush, Corvette brush, Mercedes brush, sport wheel brush, (http://www.autogeek.net/ezdebrfca.html)


For the lug nut recesses, calipers and other nooks and crannies, I (personally) prefer boars hair brushes (BHB's) like these. NOTE: these links I’m providing are to Autogeek but shop around. There may be other sources or similar tools you might prefer. This is just to give you an idea:

Lug Nut Brush,Clean Wheel Brush,clean brake calipers, clean lug nuts, boar's hair wheel brush, best wheel brush, wheel lug nuts (http://www.autogeek.net/lug-nut-brush.html)


Lastly, I would recommend a periodic application of a durable wax/sealant to at least the faces of the wheels. This can go a long way with helping the surfaces shed contamination more easily during the wash process and keep the chrome finish looking nice. This also can work on the barrels of the wheels depending on the surface and if you are so inclined.

In my own scenario, I typically use a larger BHB (soaked in my wash solution) for an initial pass on dirtier wheels before following up with my wash media. I like the 1" round BHB's for the rim of wheels, lug nuts/holes, calipers, valve stem recess, etc. I also use a brush similar to the Daytona one I linked to earlier for the barrels of the wheels. ....along with an assortment of others depdening on the application (it really depends on the wheel design, clearances, etc.). IMO/IME, you can never have enough brushes. ;)


Hope that helps. Personally, I would keep it simple at first and then adjust your regimen as needed/desired (i.e. buy tools you think might help, change your process to make it more efficient, etc.).

I for one don't understand why you wouldn't use the same wash and care methods for the wheels as is done for the paint. I try to keep both equally clean and protected. What's good for the paint is also good for the wheel finish IMHO. Microfiber wash mitt with the same soap I use for the body and then a good coat of wax for protection. As far as tires, I do agree that whatever treatment is used to apply it to an applicator first and then to the tire.

Awesome. I can see you know what you're talking about. I listen. I LOVE yeah, that engine cover.

Knowledgeable. I appreciate all this information. It's almost a manual. I decided to copy, paste, send your information to my email and print it.

I agree, Thank you. Shes had three baths. That's one every hundred miles. But Friday she gets a full day of TLC by my husband and I. We don't take her to a car wash, we do everything ourselves.

By the way cool Challenger.

Just use a quality wax. Treat them like the painted exterior of your Challenger.