How to clean white walls? Modern tire

[s word]

I am going to work on a car that has white walls. Not the old large white walls, modern tires. Any secret to cleaning it to a bright white? Also anything suggested to put on as protection to keep it white into the future?

Customer uses Brillo pad type sponge and mixture of bleach and soap. Then uses a white soap like a wax on the white stripe after cleaning. I was kind of shocked at the method but tires have many miles and the white wall is in decent condition.

They are on 03 Cadillac CTS.Home
Not actual wheel/tire below but similar tire is same as car.

[Murr1525]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

Yeah, used to use Brillo pads on white walls on the parents old car.

I think I would clean the white wall first, then use APC or similar and a brush for general cleaning of the tire.

Dont know about the wax.

[Andy M.]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

I used to do the brillo pad thing myself back in the day. Never used any wax though.....

[s word]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

Thanks guys...process seemed harsh but if it works, it works. Did you also use bleach/soap? I would think the bleach would lead to deterioration but it doesn't seem to have an effect on these tires. Owner said tires had 40,000 miles on them, all cleaned the way mentioned above.

It wasn't a wax. What he was doing was taking pretty much bar soap (but a specific one) and rubbing it along the white area lightly. He did nothing to wipe it off. I just mentioned wax because the process seems similar to waxing (adding a protection layer). I was thinking that the soap could be part of why the white walls get so dirty so quickly because all the particles are collecting on it.

How'd they keep the large white walls so clean in the past?

[BillyJack]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

I wasn't old enough for the wide whites of the 50's, but I cleaned more than my share of "gangster" 70's whitewalls. One product that's been around forever is still readily available at any local auto parts store- Wesley's Bleche-White. It's an effective tire cleaner for both the black and white tire surfaces. Use the stiffest-bristled brush you have, up to soft brass bristles. Most of your local detailing supply vendors will have a whitewall cleaner that may be cheaper to purchase in 1 or 5 gallon sizes, but Wesley's is available just about anywhere car cleaning products are sold.

Bill

[s word]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

I wasn't old enough for the wide whites of the 50's, but I cleaned more than my share of "gangster" 70's whitewalls. One product that's been around forever is still readily available at any local auto parts store- Wesley's Bleche-White. It's an effective tire cleaner for both the black and white tire surfaces. Use the stiffest-bristled brush you have, up to soft brass bristles. Most of your local detailing supply vendors will have a whitewall cleaner that may be cheaper to purchase in 1 or 5 gallon sizes, but Wesley's is available just about anywhere car cleaning products are sold.

Bill

I have been able to find a few references to processes on low rider and motorcycle forums. Was hoping there were potential alternatives but it seems like a basic rub it til its clean thing. I have seen Wesley's and Jobes...they both kind of seem like bleach and soap combine. I think I will make my own mixture...likely with CG citrus wash.

Though I cringe to use Brillo pad I will give it a try,\ and additionally attempt with stiff bristled brush.

That stiff bristled brush will likely also serve me well to clean that yellow stripe as well.

[D307P]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

I have several old cars with 2 inch whitewalls. I use Wesley's Bleche White (which I understand was bought out by Black Magic and now carries their label) which I get at Dollar General Store. I then use Dollar General Brand soapy Brillo pad dipped in bucket of Megs car wash soap. Gets my whitewalls clean and has never hurt the tire or the shitewall.

[s word]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

I have several old cars with 2 inch whitewalls. I use Wesley's Bleche White (which I understand was bought out by Black Magic and now carries their label) which I get at Dollar General Store. I then use Dollar General Brand soapy Brillo pad dipped in bucket of Megs car wash soap. Gets my whitewalls clean and has never hurt the tire or the shitewall.

Extremely nice Cadi in the avatar BTW!

[hemi]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

Westleys also ,just spray on agitate with brush and rinse off. Works on white lettering too

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

Wesley's is the one I use as well for black and white walls. Works great.

[BillE]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

Another vote for Wesley's. Bill (Hmmmm, my 'enter' button doesn't work)

[s word]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

Another vote for Wesley's. Bill (Hmmmm, my 'enter' button doesn't work)

Wesley's it is. Dollar stores carry this? Will pick it up tonight after work. No one puts anything over the white stripe for protection like my customer says he does?

[Murr1525]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

Doesnt seem like it.

If he is a regular, ask if you cab skip the soap stick one time, to see if less dirt sticks.

[s word]

Re: How to clean white walls? Modern tire

Doesnt seem like it.

If he is a regular, ask if you cab skip the soap stick one time, to see if less dirt sticks.

That or I was thinking a 50/50 test either on a rim or on each side of the vehicle.
Would be interesting to see.

I do see the vehicle often so follow up won't be hard.

Owner has a few cool cars, will try to post when I work on them. He is pretty meticulous in his care but does many things the wrong way. I am trying to get him to do a 101 class or TNOG.

Example: I helped him wash 3 of his cars last weekend. On the last car we finished soaping...he grabbed the bucket and tossed it on the car. I cringed but held my tongue. I am no car wash police. He is also much older and somewhat set in his ways.

I offered paint correction on his cars, because they are sweet cars and he is a family friend, so this is when I will be able to get my hands on the vehicle. I am hoping if I can get him a few simple "ahhh haaa" moments in paint care he will listen more to what I am saying. I have worked on many cars, but I think this is the first customer/family friend that I am trying to work on. He has all the best intentions just needs a little more knowledge.

I may not be even close to the most knowledgeable user on here, nor am I close to the most experienced. But I really do love a good shiny car and have a deep passion on the subject (and maybe slightly more knowledge than I project) and if I can get someone just as enthused pointed more in the right direction, this could be one of my favorite detail jobs yet!

Thanks guys.