73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Wheels & Tires => Topic started by: plowking_90 on February 27, 2008, 07:09:18 pm

Title: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: plowking_90 on February 27, 2008, 07:09:18 pm: what is anyones secrets on cleaning/polishing aluminum rims that are weathered? there not to bad but i want them to have a decent shine

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg318/plowking_90/nov222007012.jpg

this a picture of the rim its 12 inches wide so its hard to get into some places
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: VileZambonie on February 27, 2008, 08:26:17 pm: This stuff is the bomb just be careful with it and if you have a clearcoated wheel it will take the clear coat off. But it will make a pos wheel look like new

http://www.autodetailsupplyoutlet.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16148
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: hogwild on February 27, 2008, 09:57:07 pm: jewlers rouge, buy it at any parts store it will make any aluminum like a mirror, dirty stuff to use though
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: Captkaos on February 28, 2008, 10:58:16 am: If they are clear coated and the clear coat it milky, you are going to have a hard time cleaning them to shine.
If they are raw aluminum, the acid Vile posted will definitely clean them up. I have used that and followed up on them with some aluminum polish and a power ball. This was after I removed the clearcoat with 3M gasket remover.
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: plowking_90 on February 28, 2008, 01:33:32 pm: where can i get the acid wheel cleaner besides online? and what will take the clear coat off?
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: Captkaos on February 28, 2008, 01:41:43 pm: 3M Gasket Remover will take the clear coat off. Check with local Tractor supply places, they use it to clean the tanks and such.
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: plowking_90 on February 28, 2008, 01:47:59 pm: will any spray gasket remover work or does it have to be 3m? i found some permetex at my local parts store
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: Captkaos on February 28, 2008, 02:17:08 pm: Is it in a blue can with white lines making a checkerboard? I think I used that too. If it says not safe on painted surfaces, it will work, but DON'T get it on painted surfaces, it will pull the paint right off...
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: VileZambonie on February 28, 2008, 02:28:44 pm: You can't buy the acid over the counter at most places. I usually get it from C.A.R. PRODUCTS. If you are trying to remove clear the acid will also take it off too just spray it on and let it soak for about 5 minutes and powerwash it away. Just BE CAREFUL it is ACID ;D
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: plowking_90 on February 28, 2008, 03:38:48 pm: found this stuff

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=BK&PartNumber=7651478&Description=Aluminum+Brightener+Cleaner
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: plowking_90 on February 28, 2008, 05:52:36 pm: got the acid at napa and tried it out on one wheel and i polished it with a buff ball man o man does it shine, thanks alot guys
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: Captkaos on February 28, 2008, 06:01:04 pm: PICS!
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: plowking_90 on February 28, 2008, 06:02:14 pm: ill have pics tomarow
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: plowking_90 on February 29, 2008, 07:13:17 pm: before
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg318/plowking_90/rims002.jpg

after
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg318/plowking_90/rims003.jpg
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: jonkmbll89 on February 29, 2008, 07:20:15 pm: Know that is a big difference. Looks good. ;D
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: Dragon on March 01, 2008, 01:56:02 am: Quote from: plowking_90 on February 29, 2008, 07:13:17 pm
before
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg318/plowking_90/rims002.jpg)

after
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg318/plowking_90/rims003.jpg)
Have wanted a Set of HellCats for some time(Especially wanted them on my old '89 K-2500)..... Great Job with the clean up!!
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: red4wd on March 01, 2008, 06:32:50 am: Those are Covo Pros...

This is the discontinued Hellcat

(http://www.desertrat.com/images_products/L_5131.jpg)
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: Dragon on March 08, 2008, 12:39:39 am: Hmph I thought they were different, but I used to see a punk that had rims like yours on his truck, and he swore that they were Hellcats! ::) I know I losing my memory with age, yet I didn't think I was that off!! ??? You have Nice Rims though 8)
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: Bubba13 on March 13, 2008, 01:56:57 pm: I used simple green to remove my clearcoat (by accident). Then just polished them with mothers mag polish and a power ball.
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: CruzinHigh on March 18, 2008, 10:29:26 am: Quote from: plowking_90 on February 28, 2008, 01:47:59 pm
will any spray gasket remover work or does it have to be 3m? i found some permetex at my local parts store

I know the post is done now, but yes Permatex "gasket chisel" will work great. That stuff will take darn near anything off.

Rims look great by the way!
Title: Re: cleaning aluminum rims
Post by: SUX2BU99 on May 12, 2008, 02:32:31 pm: Wow, that looks really good! I see you have the Convo-Pro HT wheels, which were their economical "truck" line from the standard Convo-Pro forged rims. My truck has the regular C-P rims and although the outer hoops are polished aluminum, the centers are satin. And in the convolutions, it's VERY hard to get right in the depths of them to polish, where they bolt up to the center section. There's dirt and dust build-up that I'd like to remove. Sounds like the acid is the way to go, but there is a warning on the NAPA stuff about it not being for high-polish aluminum. Anybody know why? I sure don't mind polishing them again wtih my PowerBall or just by hand with a cloth.