Ford Wheels and Trim

[edschwab1]

Are these wheels clear coated?

I cleaned the wheels and applied AIO, but the wheels are lacking.

How do I clean and protect this trim?

I have tried AIO on the trim and it just okay, but I want better results. I want it to look like new?

I know the picture is not that great and is over year old.

Eric

[EBPcivicsi]

I think those wheels are just machined clearcoated factory wheels right? I like to use meguiar`s all metal polish on my mine, it gives them a nice glow and leaves a coat of protection(don`t expect to last too long).

For the trim I say 303. I am sure others will chime in soon enough on this one, hope this helps for now.

[NattyBumppo]

I`m pretty sure those Explorer wheels are clearcoated. Pretty much can treat them like the rest of the painted surface. You can use a small pad (terry or foam) with a light SMR or polish. Can even use the PC or rotary (if you have pads small enough to get in there). Then just a coat of some sealant (wax or synthetic) to protect them.


Never tried AIO on trim....interesting thought. 303 leaves a very low gloss, almost matte look. I`ve never had good luck using 303 on any exterior surfaces....it seems to run and streak onto body panels with the first rain. I`ve read other posts where they say you must buff it dry and it won`t run but I`ve done that and it still ran. Interior 303 is great but exterior I prefer other products.

Natty

[Boss_429]

Yep, I belive Natty is correct. Those rims are clear-coated, and you should treat them just like clear coated paint.

As for that trim, I have similar trim on my SuperCrew. I believe it`s some kind of hard rubber, and it`s a SOB to get looking nice. Everthing you put on there seems to streak. About the only thing that seems to work even fairly well for me, is some Meguiar`s #39 Heavy Duty vinyl/rubber cleaner. I`m going to try some 303 on their again, and buff the hell out of the 303 to see if that will help.

Let us know if you find something that seems to work better than the AIO.

[TheCompleteLook]

I have been playing with a few remedies for faded trim and have some suggestions from my bag-o-tricks.

--- Clean with AP cleaner to be sure to remove light oxidation and wax residue.

--- I like Stoner`s "More Shine Less Time". It works very well on both plastic and rubber. You can even use it over some wax residue.

--- If that fails, you can use "Forever Black" which is a dye that will bring back that black to life.

Lemme know if this works for ya.

[Tassadar]

You use MSLT for Tires or Vinyl? I have fonud that either MSLT products tend to run. So I use Trim Shine on the door jambs and the engine bay (It makes it look so good!) and then I use well buffed Vinylex on the exterior trim.