How to clean/shine aluminum alloy wheels?

[work2muchplay2little]

I've got the Weld Racing wheels that used to look like the picture. Now their kind of dull and water spotted. Normal washing procedures and high pressure washing have not done squat to make them shine again. What to you all use/suggest? My preference would be for a minumum call for elbow grease but if I gotta, I gotta

 

[BK]

the bare alum rims will oxidize and pit... when they pit it's real hard to get the brake dust out of the pitting.

so 1st try a good all wheel cleaner. They make ones that are less aggrisive for clear coated rims (which I guess your's arent. . but make sure 1st). Then there are the cleaners that are more aggrisive for bare rims.



If that doesnt work try some mean green cleaner.



If that doesnt work you can get some aluminum cleaner/polishing pads.



My friend's bare/polished AR wheels got soo bad that he couldnt bring them back, so he painted them black.



The only way around it is constant cleaning and polishing... so they dont get that bad to start with.



good luck...

 

[SlyBones]

I have some shiney alcola wheels. Got them used on the truck. Washed quite regulary, but over time the brake dust builds up and they were looking crappy. Then I read a post here about using car polish. Specifically Mothers brand. Others may work too, but to my suprise, I removed the wheel, put polish on the rag and started wiping. The dust came right off. Looks good as new. Could not believe my eyes. Now I do this about 1-2 times a year, with regular washing in between, of course.

 

[JLinder]

Use a quality aluminum polish

I have had the same problem on other rigs I've owned, and found Heavy Metal aluminum polish is among the best. I use the green stuff (medium), but the white (fine) works well if the wheel isn't really oxidized. If it goes to slow by hand, buy a small buffing wheel about 4-5" in diameter and put that on a drill. Apply the heavy metal and go at it. The wheels shine up really quick that way, and the only elbow grease involved is removing the polish with a rag.



Good Luck!

 

[RADdodge]

Alcoa sells a maintenance kit that they claim makes the shine last six times longer than regular polishing. I was thinking of trying it this fall. After all, if you're going to put that much effort into making 'em shine, might as well get the most mileage out of you're effort as possible. Anyone tried this? Here's the link...



http://www.alcoawheelaccessories.co...sionid=618471027736428334?category_id=alucare

 

[craftybigdog]

I found the thing that worked the best for me is blue magic polish I use the stuff that comes in a tube aand a dremel tool with a polishing wheel basically its a cotton wheel its a bit messy but when you are done it looks awesome the dremel just gets the rpms going and it polishes up great good luck!

 

[vinconco]

I have used this stuff called "Mothers". Its a polish is a small tub... Works great on brake dust. Fast

 

[Forrest]

I'm on my 2nd set of Alcoas. The 1st set was on the 95 V-10 & were not coated. I used Eagle 1 Etching Mag Wheel Cleaner. Works great! Use a rough sponge or brush to get in the pores.



The current wheel is made by Alcoa for Mickey Thompson. The outer surface is coated. I clean it with soap & water & clean the inside with the Etch. Soap & water is keeping it new. You can spray the Etch on the rough side of wifies dish sponge & the grime comes right off. You just have to be careful that the little that goes thru the wheel openings to the outside doesn't sit very long.

 

[DCMille290]

I recently purchased some of the best all around metal polish I have ever used, no kidding.

Most of you know me from the Magic Cloths, and this is also one of the products that works and lasts 5-6 months.

Does the best job on aluminum of anything I have ever tried. I used to use Blue Magic, now it's Green Stuff.

Email or PM me if you are wanting more info or a free sample.



DC Miller

Marbleman