SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1969-1970 Shelby GT350/500 => Topic started by: drrayj7 on June 21, 2025, 05:42:14 PM

Title: Cleaning and Polishing 1969-70 Wheels
Post by: drrayj7 on June 21, 2025, 05:42:14 PM
Hello,

I'm a recent first-time Shelby owner—1970 GT 350. I searched through the forum archives to find a previous discussion on the best process and products to remove the oxidation and brake dust from the aluminum centers on the 69-70 wheel but have been unable to locate a previous discussion. So, my question is

"What is the best product and process to use to remove the oxidation and brake dust from the aluminum and then polish the spokes?"

Thanks,
Billy Jarrett
Title: Re: Cleaning and Polishing 1969-70 Wheels
Post by: Bob Gaines on June 21, 2025, 09:44:32 PM
Quote from: drrayj7 on June 21, 2025, 05:42:14 PMHello,

I'm a recent first-time Shelby owner—1970 GT 350. I searched through the forum archives to find a previous discussion on the best process and products to remove the oxidation and brake dust from the aluminum centers on the 69-70 wheel but have been unable to locate a previous discussion. So, my question is

"What is the best product and process to use to remove the oxidation and brake dust from the aluminum and then polish the spokes?"

Thanks,
Billy Jarrett
The short answer is Brake clean and a stiff bristle plastic brush for the porous aluminum center and any one of the good metal polish's like semi chrome to polish the shiny high lights . You will most likely have to go over again with the brake clean after polishing the high lights to get rid of the left over black on the edges. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Simichrome-390050-All-Metal-Polish-Tube-1-76-oz/5229982330
Title: Re: Cleaning and Polishing 1969-70 Wheels
Post by: drrayj7 on June 22, 2025, 06:47:31 PM
Thank you Sir!
Title: Re: Cleaning and Polishing 1969-70 Wheels
Post by: CompRed70scj on June 23, 2025, 08:51:08 PM
I masked off the chrome and then sanded the spokes, starting with a fairly aggressive grit since mine had nicks and scratches. Eventually, using finer grits, it was smooth but dull. I then polished it to a mirror shine with the buffing wheel.
Title: Re: Cleaning and Polishing 1969-70 Wheels
Post by: drrayj7 on October 04, 2025, 01:14:35 PM
Thank you!
Title: Re: Cleaning and Polishing 1969-70 Wheels
Post by: Bigfoot on October 05, 2025, 09:29:53 AM
If original assemblyline wheels you might consider a new "spot on" modern set that is safer,....... If they are still being made.
Title: Re: Cleaning and Polishing 1969-70 Wheels
Post by: FL SAAC on October 05, 2025, 12:51:19 PM
We uss good old T Wax

It ckeans better, shines better and protects better
Title: Re: Cleaning and Polishing 1969-70 Wheels
Post by: GrabberOrange69 on October 09, 2025, 11:34:46 AM
Quote from: FL SAAC on October 05, 2025, 12:51:19 PMWe uss good old T Wax

It ckeans better, shines better and protects better

I loved that stuff.  New stuff isn't as good, as the old stuff hat more "grit" in it and would really polish out nice.