wawy

Hi guys,
I've been looking for a product to use to make my wheel wells darker after I clean them. I've thought about using Mother's Back to Black but then started reading how it attracts dust. Thought about Armor All but I'm sure that would attract dust also. I've actually even thought about painting them with a flat black trim spray even! Anyways, if someone could recommend something that's not a dust magnet and lasts for a bit I would appreciate it!

wawy

So I did a little more investigating and found people are using everything from Forever Black to WD-40. Yes, some even painting them with a semi-gloss black paint also. What I might do is try something different on each wheel well and see what works the best. Suggestions welcome..

Gondon

Why Keep it black?

wawy

Basically so the gap between the tire and the fender doesn't look as obvious. Not that it was really bad to begin with but when I went to 19''s I noticed it looked a bit more prominent than before. When it's wet, and the wheels wells look darker, the contrast is not as noticeable. Now, I realize I could get different springs to lower the car and solve the problem that way but the C55 sits low to begin with and I haven't decided if I want it lower..

rcoppens

I agree entirely with you, which is why I use Turtle Wax Wet'N Black tire spray on the obvious inner wheel well areas whenever I was it......seems to do the trick.

sleewell

for a black car what other colors did you have in mind? a nice paisley or orange or purple???



i know exactly what the OP is talking about. you spend hours on every single detail of the shine of the paint, make the interior perfect, get the windows a perfect streak free clean, and get your wheels and tires perfect and then you see the wheel well and it looks like crap and that is all you can see on an otherwise perfectly detailed car.

i would advise asking greg over at the detailed image, they have high quality stuff and i am sure there is a product that will make this task easy and look great.

Greg@DI

I would recommend you try the Chemical Guys Fade 2 Black. It applies easily and helps make the wheel wells look very dark.

Greg @ Detailed Image

wawy

Thanks for the suggestions. The Fade 2 Black looks interesting and apparently doesn't leave a greasy or oily residue that will attract dust. I'll probably try 4 different things (1 on each wheel well) and see what I like the best. I'll report back with the results...

benz rider

Back to Black is great for the inside of the car and rubber trim, but I wouldn't use it on the tires. I recommend Griot's Long Lasting tire gel. it's expensive but it goes on thick and lasts a long time just like it advertises. AND it doesn't attract dust.

BlackLiquorish8

what about cleanin them really well with simple green than dress it lightly with back to black by mothers?

norb

I take a wash mitt to the liners. Cleans them right up. I think it finishes the car. If it was dirty (wheel wells) its like wearing a tuxedo with dirty underwear.

Derspeed

It is more evident on all of the black cars I have ever detailed. All of the ideas are good, but paint will last the longest.

DHawk615

I agree. No sense at all spending $13 on a product just to do you wheel wells. If you wash is pretty regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) i would reccommend simply cleaning them really well then spraying with a solvent-based tire dressing. The spray paint idea is quite effective also but you always run the risk of overspray.

jpohl402

...

TOGWT

Wheel Wells
Periodically remove the wheels (one at a time utilizing a car jack and / or axle stands) to enable cleaning the back of the wheel, callipers and give better access to the wheel wells. Ensure that the vehicle body is secure by placing on axle stands.
•Rinse wheel well thoroughly with water.
•Use a 1:1 solution of P21 Total Auto Wash a d-limonene (citrus) based cleaner and water in a spray bottle, spray the wheel wells and let the solution dwell for 3-5 min
•Agitate and brush the road dirt / grime the wheel well and suspension parts, brake callipers, etc
•Spray the area thoroughly with a high pressure water spray
•Repeat if necessary
•Use P21S Polishing Soap on all metal parts (taking care to avoid the brakes)
•Rinse using a high pressure hose / nozzle to remove soap residue
•I recommended wearing rubber gloves, once finished, rinse the wheel wells and dry them with an old terry towel.
•Once they have thoroughly dried spray them with Adam’s Undercarriage Detailer or Chemical Guys Bare Bones (avoid spraying the brake rotor) which leaves a matt finished look without grease and also provides a protection for the plastic - http//: www.adamspolishes.com / - http//:www.chemicalguys.com

For more information see article "Wheel Surface Cleaning” in the Detailing School section of Detailing Bliss forum...