Wheel cleaning

[carguy77]

I just picked these up for my k1500. I can't seem to get all the grime off. Any suggestions? I've used wheel cleaner, wd40 and dawn dish soap

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[Hipster]

Is that a clearcoated wheel? I ask because clearcoat can break down over time, become porous, and let contaminants penetrate to oxidize the metal below or discolor a base color.

 

[carguy77]

I want to say they aren't. I was using the scrubbing side of a dish sponge and it was scratching the surface

 

[98chevy2500SS]

Some semi guys use acid to clean their aluminum wheels: https://www.nanoskinusa.com/products/heavy-duty-acid-aluminum-brightener-wheel-cleaner-4-1

But first, I'd try and polish it with some Mother's Mag and Alumnium polish and a variable speed polisher. If that doesn't work, then use the acid, that should clean the stuff right off, then follow it with a polish.

 

[454cid]

If you use that stuff be very careful not to get it on you, and if you do, wash it off right away.... it has hydroflouric acid in it. The danger isn't in it burning, but taking the calcium right out of your bones and blood.

 

[Hipster]

I want to say they aren't. I was using the scrubbing side of a dish sponge and it was scratching the surface

Ok, that makes sense I couldn't figure out why the finish was so dull looking. The scrubby side of a dish sponge is basically scotchbrite pad so they have been prepped for paint. lol

Labor intenstive and time consuming but they can be polished back up to look near new.

 

[98chevy2500SS]

If you use that stuff be very careful not to get it on you, and if you do, wash it off right away.... it has hydroflouric acid in it. The danger isn't in it burning, but taking the calcium right out of your bones and blood.

^^This, definitely be careful when using it.

 

[mn_ski]

OP, you could check out this wheel cleaner I picked up from NAPA. I found it while youtubing how to clean and polish Aluminum wheels. The stuff worked so well that I don't think I am going to bother polishing the wheels. Follow the instructions only leaving the product on for 30 sec at a time with light scrubbing if needed using a brush. I repeated several times but was very amazed at how well it worked right away.

From NAPA:

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Backside of wheel:

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Not perfect but considering how bad they were to start with:

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Front vs Back:

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Finished:

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Good Luck

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

OP, you could check out this wheel cleaner I picked up from NAPA. I found it while youtubing how to clean and polish Aluminum wheels. The stuff worked so well that I don't think I am going to bother polishing the wheels. Follow the instructions only leaving the product on for 30 sec at a time with light scrubbing if needed using a brush. I repeated several times but was very amazed at how well it worked right away.

From NAPA:

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Backside of wheel:

You must be registered for see images attach

Not perfect but considering how bad they were to start with:

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Front vs Back:

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Finished:

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Good Luck

Looks like it gives good results. How much did it cost? Thanks

 

[mn_ski]

Looks like it gives good results. How much did it cost? Thanks

$6+tax