Polishing 13" Iron Cross Rims

[STP]

I have used an aluminum wheel polish the last couple of years on my 13" factory rims and have not been very happy with the results. The rims are not in bad shape but I can't seem to get rid of all of the pitting and scratches with just the polish. I don't want to damage the rims so I have been reluctant to experiment and use anything too abrasive on them. Any suggestions?

What material are the rims made of anyway? Are they aluminum?

[mdrburchette]

I thought they were painted magnesium. Of course, I could be mistaken.

[STP]

The spare tire in my trunk is in pristine condition and some parts of the rim are painted and other parts are bare metal.

If the exposed metal is magnesium, what is a good way to bring it back to life and make it shine?

[mdrburchette]

Here's what I found when searching the web:
http://www.mothers.com/detailguidedownl ... Wheels.pdf

According to this article by Mother's Polish, you treat magnesium the same way as you would aluminum. My magnesium wheels have a rougher surface than my aluminum ones so I don't know how well it would work but you could try a small spot.

[pope]

I might add, since some of the rim is painted, there "might" be a clear coat over the whole wheel. You will have to look close. IF there is, then a car rubbing compound and polishing compound might be better to use. I am not familiar with this wheel so I cant be definite about that.

[STP]

Here is a picture of the spare in the trunk with the factory fresh rim:

[So Cal Mark]

aluminum. The magnesium wheels weigh about the same as a potato chip