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How do I clean my black 6ULs?

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Old 02-27-2010, 05:02 PM
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Default How do I clean my black 6ULs?

I know, a lot of you just drive on them and couldn't care how they look as long as they're light and functional...

Mine have developed this streaking on them and I have been unsuccessful in cleaning it off. It may have come from the local DIY car wash's "tire soak" (which I will never use again..) and it's stubborn as hell. I tried Greased Lightning, the orange kind, and that only worked a little. Might have just been the oils in the solution making the wheel temporarily glossy and one solid color.

HALP!
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Old 02-27-2010, 06:10 PM
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I'm no help.. but those are on your car now?! Pics asap!
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Old 02-27-2010, 07:18 PM
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Thanks, I've had them for a while now. Here're a couple pics from when they were brand-spanking:



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Old 02-27-2010, 07:32 PM
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Claybar?
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Old 02-27-2010, 08:55 PM
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Right on man! I didn't know you had a set. They look great! I love my black 6UL's!

I just use the same Meguiar's car wash soap that I use on the car. I figured since they were a flat black finish that using any kind of "wheel" cleaner would **** them up.
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Old 02-27-2010, 09:10 PM
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I haven't cleaned mine since day one.

Do dig the matt black on red!
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Old 02-28-2010, 03:46 AM
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Looks great koto. They might buff out?
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Old 02-28-2010, 09:52 AM
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Simple green helped a lot on my bronze wheels, but they have the same problem.
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Old 02-28-2010, 01:31 PM
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It's paint, so try a light polish (ie Megs SR2.0) or a cleaner wax.
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Old 02-28-2010, 01:39 PM
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I agree on using a light polish. Like 3M finish-it 2 or w/e napa sells or an equally rated polish. Mother's cleaner wax might work as well. Only two products I've really dealt with a lot.
I would wax them after you get it cleaned up. The wax will make them much easier to wash later on. I only recommend using car wash soap and a soft sponge/mit on them though.
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Old 02-28-2010, 02:22 PM
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Thanks for the kudos fellers.

The polish idea sounds like a winner. I'll have to try that - if not today, then soon. I searched for Meguiars' SR2.0 Sav, did you mean Scratch-X 2.0? Meguiar's Direct ScratchX® 2.0
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Old 02-28-2010, 02:41 PM
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let us know how you make out....I was wondering how to clean the black 6ul's as well.
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Old 02-28-2010, 02:51 PM
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Thanks, will do. Sucks being TDY (between duty stations - no access to my normal tool selection) and having to buy duplicates of **** I already have, like polish applicators and such. I think I might pick up a cheap HF drill and a powerball or similar for ease of application.

Just to clarify again, I don't think they'd have discolored like this if I hadn't used that godawful tire soak. I had no issue with the finish until that, and didn't see the warning at the car wash not to use it on painted surfaces until it was too late.
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Old 02-28-2010, 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by kotomile
Thanks for the kudos fellers.

The polish idea sounds like a winner. I'll have to try that - if not today, then soon. I searched for Meguiars' SR2.0 Sav, did you mean Scratch-X 2.0? Meguiar's Direct ScratchX® 2.0
ScratchX might be a bit aggressive, I meant Swirl Remover 2.0. It's their ultra-light polish, meant for final polish after using something like a Fine Cut.

edit: Megiuar's #9
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Old 02-28-2010, 05:18 PM
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Ok, out and just got powerball and some cleaner wax. I may try one wheel to gauge effectiveness when I get home.
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Old 02-28-2010, 06:17 PM
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Meguiars Hot Rims cleaned carbotech dust off the bronze wheels I had on my old civic. I have yet to wash my miata since I put my 6ULs on last summer, lol. Paint is so far gone, it's a losing cause.
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Old 02-28-2010, 07:11 PM
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Here are some crappy iPhone pics, before-and-after of the spot I tried this on.





Working good so far! Going to do the rest with the powerball Tuesday since It's going to rain tomorrow.
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Old 02-28-2010, 07:31 PM
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Damnit

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Old 02-28-2010, 07:51 PM
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^LMAO yea, your pics didnt show.
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Old 02-28-2010, 08:10 PM
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Hmm, they work for me, let's try this again.
Attached Thumbnails How do I clean my black 6ULs?-rim1.jpg   How do I clean my black 6ULs?-rim2.jpg  
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