I just took my truck in for a number of repairs. Paint cracks on roof/cab, crack in door and coating comming off of rims are just a few of those things. When I showed them the rims (all 4 are doing this) they said they would have to take pictures and send them to Ford first, and then go from there. Has anyone had their wheels replaced for this problem? If so, could I get some info from you and maby a copy of your warranty reciepts? (via email,fax or whatever) This is the only item that they (Ford) didn't seem like they were gonna cover. I would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks!!
Travis

 

Nobody??

 

Travis

Did you ever wax your wheels. They are painted and need to be waxed like the rest of your L. If you have waxed them, Ford should not give you any lip about repair/replacement of your wheels.

P.S. You know wes,this is his dad. Hope to get my L next month. Good luck

 

seniorchief, if you mean Wes @ UPS...yeah I know him. I also met you once @ Covert. I saw two red 01s on the lot when I was there yesterday. Let me know when you get your truck. Now back to my wheels... I generally wash my wheels once or twice a week with the spray on hose off cleaner. Usually Castrol or Meguires. I have actually take my wheels off and waxed them twice since I'v had the truck. (1 1/2yrs) They just slowly started loosing the coating, and its getting worse. I personally dont think they will cover this we will see I guess. Take care!

 

Caka, my wheels are doing it also. Like at the end of the spokes it turned dark. I guess the paint or coating is coming off . At first it wasn't that bad but recently it has gotting worse. I was going to wait before I took it in but if they're having problems replacing them I guess I better go ahead & take her in.

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99 Red L #1069 of 4000 ,Mobil 1 Oil,Lightning Hitchcover, Lightning Floormats, Tinted Windows, BEDRUG, ARE LS2 tonneau (with wing),V1 with remote,Altezza tail lights

 

Don't Wax your wheels, they are painted, but not like the body paint... The wheel paint situation you describe sounds like a corrosive attack. Unbeknown to most, including the makers of "wheel cleaners" is that they can be very very very harmful to wheels. The worst of which are usaully used at car washes, and are used on hot wheels. Sadly it only takes one trip through a harsh car wash to kill the wheel clear coat.


I my opinion, the best way to wash painted (chrome and clear coat machined too) wheels is to use simple off the self mild car washing detergent, same stuff you use on rest of the car/truck. Use a soft brush and a wash-cloth. And only do this with cold wheels.

 

Caka,
I had 2 rims replaced right after I purchased
my 99 Lightning. They were peeling after about 3 months, the service manager had no problem whatsoever on replacing the rims. I will look for the warranty repair slip but I
don't have a warm fuzzy that I will find it.

The other 2 rims were just fine, I had them chromed after about 1 year anyway but It should not be a problem, just make sure you talk to the general manager of the dealership if they give you a hard time.

Good Luck,
Terry


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99.5 Factory Red Clearcoat, Chromed SVT rims, Polished Billet Grills, F1 Cobra Hood, Color matched Lo-pro snuglid, clear corner lenses & tailights, superchipped, sal air filter, Bel-tech 3/4 lowering kit, okole seat covers (red), rhino liner, color matched muth mirrors, 25 piece REd carbon fiber dashboard kit, JBA headers and V1 radar detector.
BTW-Some secret stuff...
Completed on 4/21/00.
Stay Tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





[This message has been edited by asdeman (edited 06-17-2001).]

 

I only waxed mine once since I've had it(2 years). I just did that about a month ago when I got my Very Cherry Wet Wax. When I wash the truck I use the same bucket for the wheels & I have Zaino in that. When I get a chance to take her to the dealer I'll see how the service manager around here is.

 

I put Zaino on my wheels. Sometimes even if you wax them and don't get the rail dust and brake dust off of them it will eat through the clear coat. I used a claybar and plan on keeping them Z-2, Z-6'ed

 

I use "Pledge" furniture polish on my wheels and tires. Lemon scented areosol.
Works great, and leaves the tires looking like brand new, not greasy or oily.
Matter of fact, the stuff works great everywhere. Any plastic or rubber part, inside or outside or in the engine comp, etc.
For all you non-believers... don't make fun of me untill you try it.

Sorry to hear about your wheels. It does however sound like it may be related to harsh chemicals. What do you suppose your paintjob on your truck would look like if you sprayed "wheel cleaner" on it twice a week for 1 1/2 years ?

 

Caka,
I had the same thing happen on my original wheels. On three of the wheels the finish cracked off, exposing a darker grey underneath. All three replaced under warranty without any hassles, other than the tech not knowing how to operate the wheel balancer. I do still have my warranty receipt. If you need one send me an e. mail at pbsm@iname.com, I'll shoot a copy, and drop it in the snail mail to you.

------------------
'00 White Lightning #405
Born 2-21-00, delivered 3-6-00
371 RWHP, 450 ft-lbs torque
Best run 12.90 @ 105.84 on street tires.

 

I had all 4 replaced on My black 99 due to clear coat peeling. They looked faded in some places. The Service Manager ordered all 4. They paid to mount and balance and even aligned it. The paint actuallly peeled off of my 93 Lightning after warranty. Bummer. Get them replaced....

 

Moonshine, ugotmail. Thanks!!

Travis

 

Travis
I don't know why Silverbullet advised you not to wax your painted wheels. I have been waxing my Cobra R wheels for 6 years now and they look as good as the day I put them on. Besides, a friend of mine owns a paint and body shop, his painter advised me to wax the hell out of them to help keep the brake dust from hurting the paint. So do what you must, but my Cobra R's still look new.

see at covert ford again real soon.

carl (dad of UPS wes)

 

Travis, your e. mail never made it through. You want to post your e. mail and I'll contact you.