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Author Topic: cleaning aluminum rims  (Read 11995 times)

Offline plowking_90

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cleaning aluminum rims
« 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
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #1 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
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Offline hogwild

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #2 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
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Offline Captkaos

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #3 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.
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Offline plowking_90

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #4 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?
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Offline Captkaos

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #5 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.
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Offline plowking_90

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #6 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
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Offline Captkaos

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #7 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...
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #8 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
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Offline plowking_90

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2008, 03:38:48 pm »
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Offline plowking_90

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #10 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
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Offline Captkaos

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2008, 06:01:04 pm »
PICS!
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Offline plowking_90

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2008, 06:02:14 pm »
ill have pics tomarow
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Offline plowking_90

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #13 on: February 29, 2008, 07:13:17 pm »
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Offline jonkmbll89

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Re: cleaning aluminum rims
« Reply #14 on: February 29, 2008, 07:20:15 pm »
Know that is a big difference. Looks good. ;D
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