Stock wheel question

[KJ02Ltd]

Ever since I bought my KJ (Dec 06) the wheels have looked like crap. Last time I washed it, I ran my fingernail over the wheel and there was a plastic "film" on the wheel that was cracking off. Was there some sort of clearcoat on these wheel originally? As it's already coming off, should I help it along and take it all off? Any idea how to make them look better?

I'll try to snap some pics to show you what I'm talking about if no one knows what I'm gettin' at.

 

[CRD4Liberty]

They start looking like that over time. There has been discussion about it before on all the sites.