I got a new set of factory 16 inch wheels from a 02 f150. They are supposed to be aluminum alloy wheels. My question is are the clear coated or not? If not i can polish them but if they are i need to be more careful? Does anybody know for sure if they are or aren't clear coated?

 

I'm going to make a WAG here that they ARE clear-coated. And, if so, treat them the way you care for paint, because that's what clearcoat is.

The reason I think they are clear coated is because aluminum oxidizes very rapidly when exposed to air, and it takes on a dullish grey color when that happens. However, once that thin layer of aluminum oxide forms, it acts as a protective coating and the process does not continue to "eat" the metal the the way rust does on steel or iron. Since people are not particularly fond of dull grey, a coating is applied.

- Jack

 

Take some aluminum polish and polish a very small section that's not really visible. If the rag comes up black, they are not coated.

 

thanks i will try that and post pics and updates later this week.

 

Liar liar pants on fire.

 

I would be surprized if they are not clear coated. My 03 FX4 wheels are. I believe that all polished alloy wheels are clear coated to protect them from oxidizing as JandJ said.

 

As glc suggested i took some metal polish and it didnt turn the rag colors so i stopped. That answered my question the ARE clear coated!!

Anybody know how to get the swirl marks out of the wheels?

Here are the before pics!!

 

I'd use something like a Mother's Powerball and Meguiars SwirlX. Then wax the wheels for protection.

 

You sure those aren't just dull looking chrome clad rims?

 

Those look like the same wheels I have - they are clear coated and are NOT aluminum.

 

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I saw you posted that they are polished clear coated aluminum and then deleted it, but from the pics, they really seem to be chrome clad.