Wheel refurb - advice

[GregorJP]

I won't bore everyone with the sad tale of limping my poorly Cecil to Elms today, followed by an excellent RAC guy who rescued me from the side of the A1 when my dicky alternator finally gave up the ghost and caused the car to coast to a halt, stuck in 4th gear and with every single warning light showing on the dash. RAC gave really good service, arrived within 20 minutes and didn't insist on waiting for a flatbed (instead, hooked up a battery booster and followed me all the way to Cambourne).

Among the faults and irritations that I am hoping Gareth can resolve include:

- gears grinding between 3rd and 4th
- clutch slur
- PFC pads rattling around the caliper (no, Shimmy, not the wrong way round, I checked again)

I will let everyone know the results, as I know the first two items are common faults.

Anyway, my wheels are looking a little sorry for themselves. Elms will refurb them for a tidy sum, but what I'm more interested in is whether any of you have applied any kind of protective coat on your wheels and, if so, what kind? I hate dirty wheels and prefer them glinting and shiny, gangsta style