Caring for sidewalk edition wheels
Caring for sidewalk edition wheels
This is on old trick that always works for the iconic Fuch's wheels that adorn the classic Porsches. Petroleum jelly works wonders for it's anodized finish. The sidewalk edition of the R52s have alloy wheels with a similar anodized finish. So I thought I would document the results of a little TLC with petroleum jelly. The car has 25,000 miles on it.
1. After reviewing the benefits (restore factory finish/protect of the wheels of a car that belongs to "hers") and risks (abandoning family for a few hours … that too on a Saturday) of the procedure I obtained informed consent from wife and kids.
2. Wheels were cleaned used P21S gel formula. I like this particular cleaner for several reasons most important of which is that it doesn't dry too fast and it safely removes brake dust without damaging the clear coat. Sonax although seems stronger (has a rotten egg smell to it and I use it for a little more stubborn brake dust).
3. Once dried with a microfiber towel, I clayed the wheels to remove any bonded contaminants on the surface.
4. Gently massaged a dollop of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) onto the anodized portion of wheels by hand (protected by vinyl gloves).
5. Buffed it down with a microfiber towel after taking off the excess with a terry towel.
6. While I was at it, the tires where cleaned with Griot’s garage rubber cleaner and dressed using their weatherproof non-silicone based UV protectant.
Impression on final results: Trouble is I usually don’t neglect my wheels to see a big before and after difference. As you can tell from the pictures, minor imperfections existed even on well cared for wheels. After the petroleum jelly application the wheels were restored to a factory fresh look. Over all it imparts a satin finish. Pictures 1,3 and 5 were pre and 2, 4 and 6 post vaseline application.
Only downside ... It's gonna cost me a trip to Macy's .... (just kiddin ... one of the reasons I am able to splurge on stuff like cars, paint protection film, cleaning supplies is coz I've had a cheap date for 15 years)
1. After reviewing the benefits (restore factory finish/protect of the wheels of a car that belongs to "hers") and risks (abandoning family for a few hours … that too on a Saturday) of the procedure I obtained informed consent from wife and kids.
2. Wheels were cleaned used P21S gel formula. I like this particular cleaner for several reasons most important of which is that it doesn't dry too fast and it safely removes brake dust without damaging the clear coat. Sonax although seems stronger (has a rotten egg smell to it and I use it for a little more stubborn brake dust).
3. Once dried with a microfiber towel, I clayed the wheels to remove any bonded contaminants on the surface.
4. Gently massaged a dollop of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) onto the anodized portion of wheels by hand (protected by vinyl gloves).
5. Buffed it down with a microfiber towel after taking off the excess with a terry towel.
6. While I was at it, the tires where cleaned with Griot’s garage rubber cleaner and dressed using their weatherproof non-silicone based UV protectant.
Impression on final results: Trouble is I usually don’t neglect my wheels to see a big before and after difference. As you can tell from the pictures, minor imperfections existed even on well cared for wheels. After the petroleum jelly application the wheels were restored to a factory fresh look. Over all it imparts a satin finish. Pictures 1,3 and 5 were pre and 2, 4 and 6 post vaseline application.
Only downside ... It's gonna cost me a trip to Macy's .... (just kiddin ... one of the reasons I am able to splurge on stuff like cars, paint protection film, cleaning supplies is coz I've had a cheap date for 15 years)
Last edited by w00tMINI; Mar 13, 2011 at 07:02 PM.
i guess i have no excuses for not doing the same with mine now. i'll have all spring and summer as i've been using the oem wheels for winter use.
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