best way to restore brushed rings and center caps

[Winston]

Got a set of 14" rally wheels for my '74 Challenger. They are in great shape, but I want to clean the brushed rings and restore the center caps. Can you use steel wool to clean the polished part of the center cap? What other cleaning methods do you use to make these wheel accent pieces look new again? Thanks for the help! 

[VTMopar]

 

GREAT Question!   I am looking forward to the advice!

Vermont MOPAR

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I would use some kind of polish on the trim rings before I tried anything harsher. The caps on the center caps are available after market for 70-71, I'm not sure about 72-74. In either case, Mother's makes a polish in a small red and white can that is a  mag and aluminum polish.



  Mike

[Super Blue 72]

  Like MEK said, Mother's has an aluminum polish that supposedly is good.  I think I have a can of it but haven't had a chance to use it.  Wasn't for the trim rings but for something else aluminum.

The steel wool I would be very carful.  Try it on an inconspicuous area first to see what it looks like.  I used the steel wool on the spokes of the brushed steel Magnum 500s and it worked well, brightened it up pretty nice.  I don't think I used it on the rings though.  I would imagine it would work if you don't apply too much pressure, but use the polish to cover up the fresh metal so it doesn't oxidize.

[Winston]

Thanks for the tips, guys.  I'll get some Mother's polish and see how it works.  Once I get them done, I'll post pics!

[Chryco Psycho]

Scottch brite pad would be a better choice than steel wool but probably still too harsh