wheel cleaning help
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: stockbridge michigan
wheel cleaning help
i have one stock aluminum wheel on my 1978 c3 that is disscolored from being to close to the door . it was stored for 10 years . what is the best way to clean / polish. thanks v.
Last edited by madeeter; Nov 10, 2006 at 06:12 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale FL
Depending on how bad it is, I would recommend neverdull wadding for wheel cleaning, if really discolored you may have to resort to a buffing wheel and compound.
Also check to make sure that the other 3 wheels are not clearcoated and the fourth isn't, if this is the case one you finish polishing, clear coat the wheel to retain that shine and match to the others.
Also check to make sure that the other 3 wheels are not clearcoated and the fourth isn't, if this is the case one you finish polishing, clear coat the wheel to retain that shine and match to the others.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Barrie Ontario
There was a great tip from an military person some time ago...Brasso was his answer and guess what...it really works...who knew! Give it a try. It's cheap and not too much elbow grease required. Did mine and it's a mirror finish! Good Luck. PS hope you don't have a clear coat on the rims because that would be a problem, having to strip them.
Domer
Canada
Domer
Canada
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
1) These wheels have a clear coat from the factory that yellows. Get a spray can of stripper from Home Depot (be careful, it's mostly acid) and purchase the thicker Scotch-Brite (steel wool-like product) and remove this clear coat, plus it will remove a lot of the road gunch and brake dust yak.
2) Then clean with soap and water.
3) Then wet sand the wheel with 2000 grit, no courser.
4) Then use one of the aluminum wheel polishes mentioned above (Mothers, Billet, McGuires,..there all about the same). Be pretty liberal with the stuff and work it on and off 3-4 times.
You'll be amazed at the results.
Good luck!
Wes
2) Then clean with soap and water.
3) Then wet sand the wheel with 2000 grit, no courser.
4) Then use one of the aluminum wheel polishes mentioned above (Mothers, Billet, McGuires,..there all about the same). Be pretty liberal with the stuff and work it on and off 3-4 times.
You'll be amazed at the results.
Good luck!
Wes
Last edited by 73, Dark Blue 454; Nov 9, 2006 at 09:03 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Originally Posted by Domer
There was a great tip from an military person some time ago...Brasso was his answer and guess what...it really works...who knew! Give it a try. It's cheap and not too much elbow grease required. Did mine and it's a mirror finish! Good Luck. PS hope you don't have a clear coat on the rims because that would be a problem, having to strip them.
Domer
Canada
Domer
Canada
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
If it is discolored, it is probably the clear coat that has yellowed from exposure. You will need to remove the clear coat, polish the wheel (a lot of great suggestions so far an polishes), then you will need to clear coat for protection. You can choose to not clear coat, but you will need to polish them up from time to time to keep the shine.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Barrie Ontario
Brasso only comes in one product, I know it said not for alum, BUT, I was in the same predicament you are in and tried it on the insde of the wheel and it really worked, so I did the outside to a mirror finish! Many swear on Mothers, but why pay more if you don't have to! Just for your own edification, try it on the inside of the wheel and see what happens.
Good Luck
Domer
Good Luck
Domer