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How do I clean my black 6ULs?

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Old Feb 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 Feb 27, 2010 | 06:10 PM
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I'm no help.. but those are on your car now?! Pics asap!
Old Feb 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:



Old Feb 27, 2010 | 07:32 PM
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Claybar?
Old Feb 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.
Old Feb 27, 2010 | 09:10 PM
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I haven't cleaned mine since day one.

Do dig the matt black on red!
Old Feb 28, 2010 | 03:46 AM
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Looks great koto. They might buff out?
Old Feb 28, 2010 | 09:52 AM
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Simple green helped a lot on my bronze wheels, but they have the same problem.
Old Feb 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.
Old Feb 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.
Old Feb 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
Old Feb 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.
Old Feb 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.
Old Feb 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
Old Feb 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.
Old Feb 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.
Old Feb 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.
Old Feb 28, 2010 | 07:31 PM
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Damnit

Old Feb 28, 2010 | 07:51 PM
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^LMAO yea, your pics didnt show.
Old Feb 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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