What kind of wheel and best way to detail?

G

Goldfish

New member
Hi everyone. New here and hope to get some input. I have a 2007 Chevy Tahoe with aluminum wheels. (Not sure if they are clear coated?) It's an LTZ and has the upgraded wheels. (See pic.) The wheels have gotten what appear to be scratches in numerous areas. I took a pic of some around the valve stem, but they aren't limited to this area. They seem to be on the edges of the "spokes" as well. Not sure how they occurred and hope there's a way to detail them out.

Anyone have an opinion on how to remove them?

Thanks!
 

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Goldfish said:
Hi everyone. New here and hope to get some input. I have a 2007 Chevy Tahoe with aluminum wheels. (Not sure if they are clear coated?) It's an LTZ and has the upgraded wheels. (See pic.) The wheels have gotten what appear to be scratches in numerous areas. I took a pic of some around the valve stem, but they aren't limited to this area. They seem to be on the edges of the "spokes" as well. Not sure how they occurred and hope there's a way to detail them out.

Anyone have an opinion on how to remove them?

Thanks!
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Welcome to the site Goldfish from NO CAL

What is happening to your rims is clear coat failure, that's the cracking that you are seeing by the stem. Not a lot you can do get rid of it without a pro doing the work. That said you could use a good chemical based polish to clean them up in general that will make them look a lot better IMO:D
 
As a general rule, if you've got factory wheels of any type they're either clear coated or plastic cladded. In your case, they're clear coated. As beemerboy already said, what you've got happening is clear coat failure and corrosion of the aluminum under the clearcoat. Only a professional wheel refinishing service will be able to make them look good as new again, unfortunately.
 
Would this be considered normal? Should I try and get GM to replace the wheels? I wouldn't think this should be expected after three years or should it?

Any recommendation on a specific product to use to help make it less noticeable?

Thanks again!
 
Being that the vehicle is three years old, it might be under the paint warranty. It doesn't hurt to ask.
 
Scott P said:
Being that the vehicle is three years old, it might be under the paint warranty. It doesn't hurt to ask.
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Goldfish said:
Would this be considered normal? Should I try and get GM to replace the wheels? I wouldn't think this should be expected after three years or should it?

Any recommendation on a specific product to use to help make it less noticeable?

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I agree why not ask and see what they are willing to do.
 
actually that damage looks like it was initiated by someone who changed the valve and was careless. You might as well try to get GM to replace them, but there's a good chance they will tell you to go to the place that changed you tires (assuming here that they are not original tires):hmmm:
 
I have a feeling they're not going to do anything about it. Assuming they won't, could someone recommend a product and process to make the situation the least noticeable?
 
Goldfish said:
I have a feeling they're not going to do anything about it. Assuming they won't, could someone recommend a product and process to make the situation the least noticeable?
Click to expand...

I would use Professional Polish and then seal it with Wheel Sealant
 
Poorboy said:
actually that damage looks like it was initiated by someone who changed the valve and was careless. You might as well try to get GM to replace them, but there's a good chance they will tell you to go to the place that changed you tires (assuming here that they are not original tires):hmmm:
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Thing is, that looks like a factory valve stem and cap (actually, factory TPMS assembly) -- and the Dueler H/Ls are what the factory puts on. So while I would agree it's possible someone scratched/gouged something with change tools, I doubt it to an extent.
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Thing is, that looks like a factory valve stem and cap (actually, factory TPMS assembly) -- and the Dueler H/Ls are what the factory puts on. So while I would agree it's possible someone scratched/gouged something with change tools, I doubt it to an extent.
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I'm not sure what came from the factory, but those same tools would be used to repair a flat using a patch or a leaky valve and then again you never know if the dealer had to replace a tire for some reason :hmmm:
Just too many unknowns here
 
The blemish around the stem looks the same as the ones on the wheels spokes. Looks like something caused by a neglect to protect situation. I concur with the first few posts here and also with Poorboy on what products to use to make it look better.
 
Thanks for all the input.

The tires have been replaced on these wheels. I honestly don't know if this was damage caused by the tire dealer or not. It was a high end reputable dealer who did the tire mounting.

Not sure this is physical damage. There are MANY areas on the wheels with these marks. I don't abuse my vehicle, but don't clean/detail it that frequently. I'll polish and seal them as recommended and see what they look like.

What do you guys think I should pay to have a full detail of this Tahoe. It's not terribly dirty, but could certainly use a detail. Would like to have it fully detailed by someone who KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING. Maybe have the wheels done by them as well.

How would one know if a detail guy knows his stuff or not anyway?

Thanks again!
 
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