Cleaning 1LE Wheels Question

[shaggy2002]

Anyone have a good method of cleaning the 1LE spokes?

I use the Adams Green Wheel Cleaner and a Brush and they look clean until the wheels dry. Once they are dry, you don't want to get the waterhose back out because you just dried your car off.

Has anyone used a towel or something post washing the wheels? Thoughts?

[Camaro Dude]

I'll spray the mags first (when dry) with a product like Sonax or P21S, then hose them down. Then I'll hose down the car and wash it using a high quality dedicated wash mitt. When I'm done with the body, I'll again use yet an other dedicated, high quality, micro-fibre wash mitt, just for the mags, and my exhaust tips. The latter stage is really what gets them nice n clean.

Final step to dry the entire car, including the mags, again using dedicated drying towels for the mags.

[z3R0fo01]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I used that kit last weekend and it worked pretty well. The brake dust inside the wheel is a pain. You really have to let them dry really well and go back into sunlight to find the places that you miss. It was the same with my EVO, which had pretty much the same brembos.

I used to use only Sonax on the EVO with 19 in Volk TE37s and bought the Griot kit to try something new on the Camaro. Either way I think it will take two washes unless you take the wheels off if you want them perfectly clean. I will say that the black handled brush is a great size but again, you would have to take rims off or clean them multiple times to get that brand new look.

I will try Sonax next time, but it can be difficult because I usually end up having to work in the sun, meaning the Sonax cannot sit as long as it should without drying.

[Camaro Dude]

I use a very lean, tight fitting wash mitt, and pass my hand and arm all the way through between the spokes, and wash n wipe away. Only behind the calliper area is hard, and I usually let it go until the next wash 2-3 days later.

[Billy10mm]

I recently picked up one of these at my local auto shop and have found it to phenomenal for the wheels: http://www.peakauto.com/products/car...leaning-glove/

It's a full "glove" style microfiber wash mitt. It allows me full range of motion with my fingers. I can just wrap my hand easily around each spoke and scrub it (including the back) and it allows me to use a single finger to get into that groove that goes around the entire rim. I can also get a finger in between my lug nuts and the wheel in that area for a good clean. My wheels are now washed in less time and I get them more clean. I'm happy, especially for the $7 or $8 the mitt cost me.

And although this is slightly off-topic: I started using P21S when I got my 1LE and after I finished a bottle I switched over to Sonax ... never going back. Sonax does a significantly better job, it is worth the money to me.

[gajagfan]

Having had black cars most of my life, you would think I might have thought that much like the car, black wheels would be a bear to keep clean looking as well. I swear it takes me just about as long to do the wheels as the rest of the car. I use a separate rag and bucket for the wheels, getting down on my hands and knees and first cleaning the groove behind the spokes, then the spokes and area between. I then do the caliper and then the barrel of the wheel. I agree with the other poster and the area behind the caliper goes until the next time. Once these are done, I then wash the car. The only wheel products I have are a thin towel and the same soap that I use to was the car itself.

[shippingguy]

I have yet to have to wash my car. I do not drive it in any bad weather. I use a duster and spray wax twice a week. For the wheels I just use a damp microfiber and wipe all the dust off them. Then I use Turtle Wax Black Detailer Spray. Just spray on and wipe off.



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[numbr3t]

Keep in mind that adams green wheel cleaner is a very powerful product and may be stripping the wheel of any wax or protection. I would only use green wheel cleaner for more of a heavier clean or a dirty dirty wheel. If it's only light cleaning try just car shampoo. It sounds like you need some more protection on the wheels IMO.

[Schluney]

i use a sheep wool wash mitt and adams car shampoo.. i would highly recommend having a dedicated wheel wash mitt

[Mean Green Z28]

I just get the guy at the car wash to do it for me ...


lol, actually I wash and dry my car first, then turn my attention to the wheels. I have a brush that reaches all the way to the back of the barrel so I don't have to get my hands in there.

[Mark T]

Originally Posted by Mean Green Z28

I just get the guy at the car wash to do it for me ...

Yes, that picture is very disturbing. On all levels.

[z3R0fo01]

Originally Posted by Billy10mm

I recently picked up one of these at my local auto shop and have found it to phenomenal for the wheels: http://www.peakauto.com/products/car...leaning-glove/

It's a full "glove" style microfiber wash mitt. It allows me full range of motion with my fingers. I can just wrap my hand easily around each spoke and scrub it (including the back) and it allows me to use a single finger to get into that groove that goes around the entire rim. I can also get a finger in between my lug nuts and the wheel in that area for a good clean. My wheels are now washed in less time and I get them more clean. I'm happy, especially for the $7 or $8 the mitt cost me.

And although this is slightly off-topic: I started using P21S when I got my 1LE and after I finished a bottle I switched over to Sonax ... never going back. Sonax does a significantly better job, it is worth the money to me.

I think I might have to get one of those.

[camarosspower]

I have replica 1le wheels and I just basically use a tore up cotton t shirt with mag soap. I always save wheels and tires for last . By the quick question guys. My buddy has a 2013 1le and he is concerned about his wheels. They look like they are not painted on the inside of the wheels. Are these how they come or is a defect

[Camaro Dude]

Originally Posted by Billy10mm

I recently picked up one of these at my local auto shop and have found it to phenomenal for the wheels: http://www.peakauto.com/products/car...leaning-glove/

It's a full "glove" style microfiber wash mitt. It allows me full range of motion with my fingers. I can just wrap my hand easily around each spoke and scrub it (including the back) and it allows me to use a single finger to get into that groove that goes around the entire rim. I can also get a finger in between my lug nuts and the wheel in that area for a good clean. My wheels are now washed in less time and I get them more clean. I'm happy, especially for the $7 or $8 the mitt cost me.

And although this is slightly off-topic: I started using P21S when I got my 1LE and after I finished a bottle I switched over to Sonax ... never going back. Sonax does a significantly better job, it is worth the money to me.

That is a very nice find

Originally Posted by shippingguy

I have yet to have to wash my car. I do not drive it in any bad weather. I use a duster and spray wax twice a week. For the wheels I just use a damp microfiber and wipe all the dust off them. Then I use Turtle Wax Black Detailer Spray. Just spray on and wipe off.
Attachment 648166


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You might be able to get away with this at first, but eventually, you might get that first scratch from say a sand stone, then you will move on to a hose down first

Originally Posted by camarosspower

I have replica 1le wheels and I just basically use a tore up cotton t shirt with mag soap. I always save wheels and tires for last . By the quick question guys. My buddy has a 2013 1le and he is concerned about his wheels. They look like they are not painted on the inside of the wheels. Are these how they come or is a defect

I noticed the same thing on my 1LE mags, the insides are not FULLY covered, almost looks like overspray in some areas. It's not that bad or an eyesore in any way, but when you closely inspect it, it's there. Maybe others can chime in on this.