Wheels & Tires Semi-Tech General discussion of wheels and tires for the Ford Ranger.

Wheels - Salt

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  #1  
Old 05-28-2008
wydopnthrtl's Avatar
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Wheels - Salt

Hey Guys, I'm buying a *new* set of Mckey Thompson classic II pretty soon.
Researching them I see that they are uncoated and come with a steel center cap. (aluminum optional)

Since I'm going to use these year round in Mich I'll need to do something to protect them.

I've read about the waxes available, and that seems like a lot of work in addition to the regular washings I give the truck. (tough to do when it's below freezing)

I'd like to hear from you guys with experience running uncoated aluminum and winter/salt. Especially anyone who has had special coatings applied and how it held up.

Regards,
Rich
 
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Old 05-28-2008
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Salt just tears them up. My best recommendation if you want to keep them uncoated is to dry them with a towel after each wash. when the water dries on them its all over. normally they will stay nice for a while but will need polished.

Grant (G'servo) had his wheels powder coated there in detroit and they looked awesome. I am not sure how it is holding up, you could PM him or talk to Zach (redneckstone)

Grant was at the last cracker barrel meet the truck we took the topper off of.
 
  #3  
Old 05-28-2008
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short of powder coating them they will aways get pitted and need to be polished in the spring..

there is something called zoop seal but i dont know anyone who has ever used it
 
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Old 05-28-2008
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Originally Posted by zabeard
Salt just tears them up. My best recommendation if you want to keep them uncoated is to dry them with a towel after each wash. when the water dries on them its all over. normally they will stay nice for a while but will need polished.

Grant (G'servo) had his wheels powder coated there in detroit and they looked awesome. I am not sure how it is holding up, you could PM him or talk to Zach (redneckstone)

Grant was at the last cracker barrel meet the truck we took the topper off of.
he isnt ever on anyone.

they are holding up fine look just the same as when he got it done..

the truck is forsale right now lol
 
  #5  
Old 05-28-2008
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From: Charlestown, IN
My brother had clear coat applied to his Mickey Thompson Classic II's. It dulled the finish a tad, but they still shined nicely.

If you run them in the winter, they will need cleaned. You can use Mother's and 000 steel wool.
 
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Old 05-28-2008
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^^ works but i def dont like what 000 steel wool does to the finish.. rather just use a polishing ***** and compound
 
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Old 05-28-2008
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Anytime I think about polishing wheels I cringe!
 
  #8  
Old 05-28-2008
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Originally Posted by Redneckstone
^^ works but i def dont like what 000 steel wool does to the finish.. rather just use a polishing ***** and compound
I never noticed a difference in the finish when I had the Classic II's and used the steel wool.
 
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Old 05-28-2008
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Originally Posted by lifted97ranger
I never noticed a difference in the finish when I had the Classic II's and used the steel wool.
MT recommends using 000 steel wool to clean them on their website. It doesn't hurt the finish.
 
  #10  
Old 05-28-2008
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Just move where they dont use salt its your only hope lol
 
  #11  
Old 05-28-2008
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Originally Posted by Marcaronio
MT recommends using 000 steel wool to clean them on their website. It doesn't hurt the finish.
it doesnt hurt it changes it.. hard to explain gives it more of a brushed shine instead of polished almost chrome
 
  #12  
Old 05-28-2008
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lots of elbow grease, thats about it.

i polish mine every season then apply wax, seems to be fine.
 
  #13  
Old 05-30-2008
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Well I looked into several different wheels and all sorts of coatings.

I decided to buy a set of MT classic II in a 15x8 w/aluminum centers. (should be here today)
And, I have a local friend that is going to clear powder coat them with the same clear that the OEMs use for thier wheels. Appearantly it's a bit different when you apply to a highly polished surface vs a matte type of finish. Would not have not know that if he had not told me.

Once thats done I'll get some tires mounted and post up some pics.
I'll try to take some high quality before and after the powder coating so ya'll can see how much it dulls the shine.

Rich
 
  #14  
Old 05-30-2008
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I'm glad you went with the aluminum center caps, I need to get some my steel ones are ruined. Hopefully I won't be running this set of rims for much longer though hehe.
 
  #15  
Old 05-30-2008
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They are $15 each at Jegs.
 
  #16  
Old 06-02-2008
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Originally Posted by wydopnthrtl
Well I looked into several different wheels and all sorts of coatings.

I decided to buy a set of MT classic II in a 15x8 w/aluminum centers. (should be here today)
And, I have a local friend that is going to clear powder coat them with the same clear that the OEMs use for thier wheels. Appearantly it's a bit different when you apply to a highly polished surface vs a matte type of finish. Would not have not know that if he had not told me.

Once thats done I'll get some tires mounted and post up some pics.
I'll try to take some high quality before and after the powder coating so ya'll can see how much it dulls the shine.

Rich
sounds good cant wait to see the pics!
 
  #17  
Old 06-02-2008
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Hey Rich I was able to get mine clean. Took some 0000 steel wool and some polish and they look almost new again.

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  #18  
Old 06-03-2008
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Very sharp!

I've got the wheels and aluminum caps. One of the caps were bent and I'm waiting on a replacement. (they sent steel ones too)

Rich
 
  #19  
Old 06-04-2008
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I will be curious as to see how these turn out.
 
  #20  
Old 06-04-2008
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I'll post up before and after pics along with any coating specific data I can gather.

Got the 4th cap replaced yesterday and hope to get them coated asap.

Rich
 
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