Need wheel cleaner/sealant advice

[tCspool]

I`m looking for a good product mix to use on my wheels:



http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/27543/2005280241405837214_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005280241405837214)



I`m wondering if I should wash and then (clay?) - then apply a wax? I know DP carries a cleaner and wax, but it`s a bit pricey for me. Can I use a conventional wax such as Collinite #845 after they are clean?



I`m not to sure what type of factory coating the wheels have on them.



Techniques & safe product suggestions please!



Thanks

[BigJimZ28]

use the same stuff you would use on your paint

(or a product you don`t like on your paint but want to use up)

#845 is a good choice or any sealant



why are the tires so much smaller than the rim?

[stiffdogg06]

For a wax I would consider 845, 476 by Collinite.



Any sealant will do a sufficient job on protection.



Are those 35 series tires?:wow:



I had 40 series and I thought those were thin..

[tod071]

I`d get a EZ auto brush and clean the inside of the rim too. 845 is fine to use on the rim.



My brother told me that the "stretched" tire look is the new fad. Don`t know how safe it is, but if it looks good, more power to you. :D

[tCspool]

Cool - I`m planning on picking up the Collinite 845 to test out on paint - so nice to see this can double as a sealant for my wheels!








why are the tires so much smaller than the rim?



These are actually factory tires - I believe they are 45`s. They seem to ride pretty smooth and IMO they look good on the car - not too sure about the safety though!

[WK446]

I use a product called Rejex on my wheels and exhaust... It times time to cure but it`s an excellent product.

[imported_dirtydirty]

yeah some VW guys are into the stretched tire look, i think its dumb as it provides no rim protection.



to answer your question i use a 3 parts water to 1 part simple green in a sprayer, i hit the insides of the wheel and then the fender wells and the kind of mist the out side , i do all 4 like this and then immediately spray it off starting with the one i did first.



this seems to loosen up the brake dust/crud and make using my mitt more usefull.



afterwards i use some older meg quick wax on them.

[Junebug]

They make a product called Wheel Wax, when I first tried it - I hated it. Then, I tried a better technique, apply real thin with a MF towel folded up - keep changing it around to keep a clean side applying the wax. Wipe off with a MF and it looks great, lasts 6-8 weeks, but I typically wipe the wheels with AW when I do the paint.

[audicoupej]

why are the tires so much smaller than the rim?



Jim, I think part of the illusion is the built in rim protector on the tires. This causes the buldge yo usee near the edge of the tire closest to the wheel edge.





I also like wheel wax, but I use whatever is sitting around when I do wheels.