Advise on protecting finish on aluminium wheels?

I am wrapping up my winter project to refurbish/polish the factory aluminum wheels on my '81. After many hours of sanding and polishing, my final step was to use Mother's Aluminum and Mag Wheel Polish. Great stuff! They seriously shine. When totally done, I will post pics as well as lessons learned. My question is, what can I do short of clear coating them to protect the finish? I don't believe the Mother's acts as a wax or true protectants. does it? Can I wax them with a Carnuba wax or does the heat from the brakes cause problems with wax? Other ideas?
Thanks guys!

Maybe Zoops seal?

Hello,
Polishing alloy wheels is a difficult job that you don't want be doing constantly. I think the only sure way to prevent them from oxidizing again is to apply a clear coat.
Just my 2 cents.
Regards,
Tom

Also check the Car Care or Handling Components forums for threads on this topic. I know it has been discussed before.

I know I have seen ideas on wheel care before, but my searches came up empty.

I don't want to clear-coat them, as I have been told no matter how good the clear coat, it won't be as shiny as without. Also, I'd rather be able to just use the Mother's on them anytime I want to brighten them up, rather than having to take special care of the clear coat. I NEVER want to have to remove any paint from these wheels again. I have spent roughly 30 hours on them, 15 of which was stripping the black paint out of the holes and getting those areas spotless.

Zoop is just too expensive - $100/container.

I was really hoping someone had insight on the option of waxing them, just like your paint, and ay pobssible problems with heat. Anyone have experience waxing wheels?

I went through the same thing with my 80. Ain't high tech but I just put a coat of turtle wax liquid every time I wash the car. I drive it regularly and it seems to keep a pretty good luster.

chesh said: I know I have seen ideas on wheel care before, but my searches came up empty. ...

The "Search" function currently only goes back 90 days so to find a post older than that you will have to browse the forum(s).
____________________________________
Jim O. (C3VR NCM Ambassador)
Save the Wave...!!!

Thanks. That's what I wanted to hear. I didn't want to put wax on them and then find out later that the heat turns it into a baked-on, yellow mess that would have to be stripped off. Sounds like the wax is working fine for you, so I'll try as well. Maybe some day I'll be better positioned to plunk down $100 for the Zoop's seal, as I hear it is fantastic stuff. Until then, I'll just have to wax 'em...

I refurbed my aluminum wheels also, 5 hrs per wheel. have used Diamond truck box polish and wax since. no problems. they look great.

I'll be doing my wheels in the spring or summer. Did you buy the refinishing kit from Ecklers or other mag? Elbow grease or hand drill?

Any info would be great.

Thanks,