Polished Rims Have Small Pits In Them

[Dakotavette]

I was washing my CE ZO6 the other night and noticed some small pin-head sized corrosion marks. I tried to polish them out with some Zoops Polish, but that didn't seem to work. I don't think I have done anything to ruin the sealer on the wheels and the corrosion may be caused by brake dust. I noticed the marks on the front rims, but didn't see them on the rear rims, although I didn't look that close since I was concentrating on the fronts. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get rid of these marks? They are like small bumps, not pits.

[Mr Cowl Hood]

First of all, are they polished or chrome?

If polished, there is no sealant from the factory. One is stuck with perpetually polishing their "polished" wheels and they cannot be left unattended with brake dust and certainly not salt for any length of time.

If they are chromed. Then you may have at the very least a warranty issue as chromed wheels are supposed to endure much more harsh environments than polished wheels or even painted/clearcoated wheels. Mother's makes a really good billet polish you might try. I'd use a cordless drill and a moppy looking attachment to apply it. You can use that on either polished or chromed wheels. Raised, bumpy carrosion can be polished off the wheels but it takes some effort.

Zoops is only good for polished wheels when applied to thoroughly cleaned/polished, polished wheels. Even then it must be reapplied.

[fatherlarry]

I see you have a Commemorative Edition Z06. If they are the stock wheels they are polished aluminum. If the mileage is under 32,000 then you're still under warranty, and I would bring it to the dealer, because you may have a warranty issue. Don't try to polish them out, because it may be a defect in the casting that's covered under warranty and you dont' want to void the warranty.

If you bought the car used and they're chrome Z06 wheels, then you would have to get in touch with the previous owner and find out who the manufacturer was that chromed the wheels. A lot of people traded their wheels in for the chrome wheels with after market company's because they didn't like the painted powder coated rims. But if your car is stock then go the warranty route.

[Mr Cowl Hood]

Originally posted by fatherlarry
I see you have a Commemorative Edition Z06. If they are the stock wheels they are polished aluminum. If the mileage is under 32,000 then you're still under warranty, and I would bring it to the dealer, because you may have a warranty issue. Don't try to polish them out, because it may be a defect in the casting that's covered under warranty and you dont' want to void the warranty.

If you bought the car used and they're chrome Z06 wheels, then you would have to get in touch with the previous owner and find out who the manufacturer was that chromed the wheels. A lot of people traded their wheels in for the chrome wheels with after market company's because they didn't like the painted powder coated rims. But if your car is stock then go the warranty route.

Great advice!:luxhello:

[Dakotavette]

I bought the car new and it came with the polished wheels from the factory. I plan to take the car over to the local dealer to have them look at the wheels. Actually, I am a little disappointed in the quality of the wheels to begin with. There are some parts of the wheels that do not shine or have the same reflection as some of the other surfaces. Again, since I just bought it last fall and have not really done any deep cleaning and polishing yet, I do not remember if all the wheels are like that. When I get some time I plan to clean all of the wheels up before I take it over to the dealer. Thanks for the information!