I visted the Outer Banks this past week and was there for the Mothers Day Storm. My problem is I drove for about 7 miles in salt water on the flodded Rt. 12, and now my wheels are dull and have lost thier shine. I have Mickey Thompsoon Classic II rims. What do you guys suggest that I clean them with? I don't want to mess them up and I've never seen them look this bad. The jeep got a good undercarriage rinsing with the lawn sprinkler but now i need to get the wheels done. BY the way, the Audbon Society is destroying one of my favorite wheeling spots with thier lawsuits to protect a bunch of birds. We've lost miles of previously open beaches. On the bright side the storm washed away the nesting sites they were protecting.

 

I recently used some meguires wheel cleaner and it's the best I've found for wheels yet. They make different types for polished or chrome. If they're real bad the best thing to use will require a little work. Get some mothers polish and one of those polish balls.

 

I don't have Chrome but Simple Green Auto works wonders with my alloys'.

Spray on, give it a minute or two, and power wash off.

 

I like those M/T wheels, but for whatever reason(s), you are not alone with this complaint...several of my wheel buds have the same issues....

 

Me and my wife were going to stop at the outer banks for a couple of days starting the first of June, however with the beach closings, we have altered our plans. Let me state up front that I'm no greenie but I do consider myself a naturalist, most jeepers are- they like to get OUT THERE. The average bird count (by species) has fallen in 30 years to 15-30 % of what they were. This not an analomy, it's fact. Loss of habitat and nesting locations are driving many birds to extinction. Let's work with these guys, the beaches will be there after nesting season..... For billet wheel restoration Mothers Power Ball and polish does a hell of a job. Chrome wheel discoloration(blue streaky look) I haven't seen anything that will restore that.

 

I'm sorry about your wheels. Salt water is corrosive, but I don't know how to solve this problem.

Your words regarding the protection of wildlife habitat are disturbing. I am an avid naturalist and birder, and an avid wheeler. There's room for both if we work together and understand each other's needs. To me it's obvious that the priority should be to preserve species first. It is true that wheeling liberties are being lost too quickly, but there's always a chance we can rescue those; rescuing from extinction is not an option.

 

X3

 

x4 potentially killing off animals in large numbers so you can drive on the beach is pretty shitty outlook.

 

Yeah you're right. I'm sure a few fishermen on the beach are the cause of the decline of birds. It couldn't be the 5 story mega mansions on the beach just waiting to be blown away. THe bird lawsuits are also killing the economy of the OBX. Many people are choosing to not go there becausre the beachs are closed. They have always had protected areas which I respect but the distances and sizes of the areas are enormous. Once they have hatched and the birds have left the nest the plan is to keep the areas closed. Many residents of the OBX see this a land grab by the Audobon Society.

 

Your suggestion is spot on that the (over)development of the beach environment is more responsible for habitat declines than "a few fisherman". Over-emphasis on environment at the expense of local economies is also a problem that must be resolved by both sides.

My real concern with your original post is:
IMHO, Very, very uncool, and hopefully not your outlook at all. If this in fact the way you feel/think, please, please reconsider and think of the bigger picture, and if you don't really understand the ultimate consequences of habitat and environmental destruction, it is not too late to educate yourself; such perspective need not come at the expense of enjoying the outdoors in your JK.