• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

    I just recently purchased a set of after market wheels which seem like they were neglected. They're a hypersilver color with a stainless steel lip which seems to have brake dust etched into them. I was wondering what you would suggest for cleaning them? I have already used simple green on them and a mild dish detergent to clean off what brake dust and all I could. I also hit the stainless lips with a couple coats of wax to try and restore some luster. I should have some pictures uploaded in a lil while so you can see how the wheels actually look.

  • #2
    Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels







    Comment


    • #3
      Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

      So the middle is paint ,and the lip is bare metal?

      Need to know what the exact coatings are....
      2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

        If it's not aluminum, hot rims, if that doesn't work then acid

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

          I tried adding pictures but they didn't come up, saying that it had to be run through a moderator.



          Comment


          • #6
            Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

            anyone

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

              Are you sure it's SS?
              Maybe try
              Hot Rims Mag Aluminum Polish

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

                I have seen APC and a clay bar (APC used as lube) to remove some SERIOUS brake dust from a road rallied car. Results were amazing!

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

                  A friend was telling me about a product called aluminum bright that is sold at napa. He said that the dealer that he used to work for used that for cleaning wheels and that it did a really good job as well. Anyone ever heard of this?

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

                    IIRC, that is an acid cleaner. It will clean the aluminum, but will have to be neutralized after using it and the metal polished.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

                      Parts that are painted you can treat like paint. So hit it with a good wash, then you can clay them, and use a paint cleaner.

                      The bare metal parts you can clay and use a metal polish.
                      2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

                        I have been told that it's a stainless steel ring around the lip. I am just afraid of scratching them. I have a product called simichrome.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

                          I'm guessing it would be acid based
                          I have some acid from a local detail supply
                          I use it on bare aluminum and it will eat through aluminum
                          I dilute it, ware a protective mask, gloves and eye protection.
                          Most all aluminum/rim cleaners have to be acid base to eat through carbon that builds up.
                          But in your case, it looks like rust.
                          I tonk you can polish that our.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

                            What would you recommend for polish?

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: cleaning neglected aftermarket wheels

                              Originally posted by Maserati Mario View Post
                              Are you sure it's SS?
                              Maybe try
                              Hot Rims Mag Aluminum Polish
                              allready posted it

                              Comment

                              Your Privacy Choices
                              Working...
                              X