How can I get these nicer?

[Unofficial]

I bought these wheels from a neighbor, and they're not as clean as I'd like them. I got that Mother's polish and ball, but it didn't do much. Do these wheels have a clear coating? If so I was thinking about using acid or something to get the coating off and then polishing them up. Anything to get rid of these little spots shown on the second picture. They're like tiny indents in the aluminum. Thanks in advance for any help.

[JRConnieK10]

Nice wheels and I would say yes they are clear coated we just had a discussion on claening them not long ago but I can't remember where it was I'am sure someone will find it. Nice looking truck you got.

[Unofficial]

Nice wheels and I would say yes they are clear coated we just had a discussion on claening them not long ago but I can't remember where it was I'am sure someone will find it. Nice looking truck you got.

Hey, thanks. Yeah I read that aluminum cleaning topic the whole way through. Will I get the same results as the guy with the centerlines by taking off the clear coat with acid and then polishing them? If not, I don't want to waste money.

[choptop]

I have a fix that I have used once the wheels get real bad, but it takes alot of elbow grease, and time. I used S.O.S pads to do the main work, then finallized with the power ball and the outcome is great. If you are not familiar, they are steel wool pads with soap in them found in the dishwashing isle. The soap helps lubricate the scuffing( kinda like wet sanding)and using a little 1 gallon bucket of water. Just dip the pad in some water, and go to town. This also works on chrome bumpers that are tarnished or rusting.  Try it on a little spot and tell me the outcome, I think you'll be surprised.

[Unofficial]

I have a fix that I have used once the wheels get real bad, but it takes alot of elbow grease, and time. I used S.O.S pads to do the main work, then finallized with the power ball and the outcome is great. If you are not familiar, they are steel wool pads with soap in them found in the dishwashing isle. The soap helps lubricate the scuffing( kinda like wet sanding)and using a little 1 gallon bucket of water. Just dip the pad in some water, and go to town. This also works on chrome bumpers that are tarnished or rusting.  Try it on a little spot and tell me the outcome, I think you'll be surprised.

Wow, I work at a restaurant and we use S.O.S pads all the time. That's interesting, I'll try that tomorrow after school and let you know how it goes. Thanks a lot for the tip.   

[VileZambonie]

Use the acid. It's only 10 bucks, you spray it on and scrub it for 5 seconds and rinse. The end.

[Unofficial]

Use the acid. It's only 10 bucks, you spray it on and scrub it for 5 seconds and rinse. The end.

Will the acid get rid of those spots though?

And will it give it that flat milky color?

[Captkaos]

It should take the spots right off.

[plowking_90]

use acid cleaner and then use a buff ball with some aluminum polish will look brand new

[plowking_90]

this is  my post on cleaning aluminum rims

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7428.0

[78K5Blaza]

I had an 82 Scrambler with polished wheels, but came with a 'plastic-like layer' over the metal. My old man picked up some chemical to remove it. Afterwards the wheels were beautiful. I'd trust the chemical method over SOS pads...but that's just me.

[Unofficial]

I used the S.O.S pads on the wheels and I was shocked. I think I'll still use the acid sometime down the road, but for now these look really good.

Before cleaning with pad:


After cleaning with pad:

[choptop]

  Glad it worked for ya. My Grandad was a jeweler as a hobby and I have seen him polish metal more than once with steel wool. You can actually get steel wool fine enough to polish the wheels more, but if you want mirror, the acid is the best first step to clean the metal, then a fine steel wool to smooth out the pits,followed by the power ball for the final polish. Neither the acid nor the power ball will smooth out the pits in the metal, but all three will provide an awesome finish.

[Unofficial]

Cool, thanks for the help, I really appreciate it. I'll get the acid within the next week or so. Thanks again for your advice. 

[choptop]

Anytime, glad to help. Make sure you get some pix up as soon as you can get the wheels on the truck. I have seen them on these before, and they really look good.