How do you clean your Fuchs ???

[stv951]

There is some brake dust that is very hard to remove from my Fuchs rims. Was wondering what I should use without damaging the coating.

What do you guys use ?

[mkimber]

P21S Wheel Cleaner, followed by a light coat of wax to prevent the build up in the future.

[Bobboloo]

Soap and water followed by Vasoline for anodized Fuchs.

I believe Porsche recommends Vasoline to protect the anodizing. Most waxes have mild abrasives that polish and wear down the anodizing giving the wheel a polished shine as opposed to the "foggy" anodize look.

[stv951]

Sorry guys but i am not in the States and am not familiar with the local brand products. Which P21S is the appropriate ?

i've tried soap and water, but the results are not satisfacory.

Vasoline ? Do you mean plain Vaseline as we use it in...ummm...well many other applications ???

[mkimber]

The product is called "P21S Wheel Cleaner," and is available in regular strength and an extra strength gel. Bought mine on-line at www.carcareline.com.

[imcarthur]

Originally posted by stv951
Do you mean plain Vaseline as we use it in...ummm...well many other applications ???

Yup. It works wonders. It doesn't survive a wash however, so you have to recoat. Just rub on by hand & wipe off with a clean, soft cloth.

Ian

[mkimber]

Mmmm...makes me want to give Vaseline a try. Thanks for the tip!

[imcarthur]

It works on both the anodised & the black paint part. It leaves a satin look. Cheap & easy.

Ian

[Gunter]

Right on with the Vaseline.
The black paint does not tolerate any strong cleaner as I found out.
I only use soap and water both inside and out with good results.

[JR_NYC]

I head this about using Vaseline on Fuchs before but not sure how it's supposed to be used. Does it actually clean the rim or do you use it after cleaning to protect the coating? Should I not be waxing the black painted center part of the rim for protection?

[anthony]

Doesn't vaseline attrack a lot of dirt??

[stv951]

Is vaseline supposed to remove all the remaining barke dust ?

[mkimber]

For what it is worth, here's what PCA'S John Paterek says:

Vaseline was meant for forged alloy wheels for winter protection. Your rims are painted and clear coated. Clean and wax them like any painted surface.

John Paterek - PCA WebSite - 8/5/2003

I use P21S total auto wash on all alloy wheels. Start by wetting the wheel then spray the Auto wash on to a small cotton towel (about the size of a face cloth) Apply the cleaner to the towel then rub the dirt away. Rinse with a hose as soon as you complete the cleaning step Do not let the cleaner dry. The wheels will come out perfectly clean with no damage. Also on your boxster Wax the wheels with carnuba to prevent dust from sticking.

John Paterek - PCA WebSite - 5/5/2005

[imcarthur]

I'm certainly no expert, but it works. Wash your wheels well. This removes brake dust etc. Once you dry your wheel, it will look like crap - two-toned swirly ugly grey etc - crap. The black part will look dull & lifeless. More crap.

Then apply a thin coat of vaseline. All over. I just put it on by hand so I can get into all of the crevices around the lug nuts. Then wipe it off with a clean rag buffing lightly to even it out. A snap, - less than 5 minutes per wheel.

They will be transformed. Not concours, but really nice.

Ian

[mkimber]

Good to know your Fuchs also look like crap after washing. Never understood shy. Thought it was me. By the way, Ian, I love your Rennlist website.

[stv951]

Same with me. Although my Fuchs were refirbished 1 year ago, they look like crap after wash. Was fed up after last wash as they looked very tired
Thats what made me post this thread.

[randywebb]

Level 1a:
Use P21s wheel cleaner - the gel if you have stubborn spots. It is a German product, but you don't say where you are....

You rub the vasoline in deeply so ti will not attract too much dirt. I put a light bulb in a box over the wheel in the winter.

I've tested vasoline side by side with wax with inconclusive results - am doing another test now.

Levels 1b:
IF the Fuchs are mildly messed up and the above isn't doing the job -- even after repeating the gel P21s 2-3x, then

Level 2:
you might try a very mild metal cleaner like Meguairs.

Level 3:
If that didn't work it is time to send them to Weidmann for the very best job, highest price and longest wait; or to Al Reed for a good job, with a bit lower cost and shorter wait.

I think Souk on this bbs does them too - he's in the upper midwest somewhere. No idea re E. coast, Australia, or Tangiers...

[kilodawg]

Not to rain on the vaseline crowd but Paterek is correct. The black painted center of the wheels are just that black paint. To protect them you can go the carnuba route or for more longevity a sealant would be better. With an original satin finish you are really using the sealant or wax for protection not gloss. Use it on the anodizing as well. It won't hurt it.

Don't get me wrong I'd guess that the vaseline would protect also but it would be very short term.

Regardless, if your centers look like crap after a wash the paint finish needs to be addressed (clean and protect). Again the vaseline is just a cover up not unlike Armorall on faded trim.

As far as wax degrading an anodized finish even if you used a wax with mild cleaners you would die of old age before you'd compromise the anodizing. Just TRY to remove it sometime and you'll see what I mean.

Whenever people ask detailing questions I refer them to the Autopia.org site. It's to detailing as Pelican is to Porsches. Check it out!

[imcarthur]

I'm sure that you're right Kilodawg, but I'm lazy about wheels. A quick hit with Vaseline works & takes little time or effort . . . I'm not a detailing kind of guy & the wheels have scuffs & one has some rash & one is newer & different from all of the rest & one has this black mark & . . .

Ian

[kilodawg]

If that's the case then vaseline is like makeup and definitely serves that purpose well