wheel cleaning

[DaveT435]

These wheels had 10-12 years of build up. Here is a before and after pics. This is one application of McKee's wheel cleaner and a little work with a brush.

[TMQ]

hello everyone i bought some used wheels that have massive build up i cant seem to get off. i have definitely made progress but any help or suggestions will be appreciated

Which wheel cleaner did you use?

Tom

[Steelman]

When I Clay wheels I use a "Medium" grade.

[ACCLAY]

hello everyone i bought some used wheels that have massive build up i cant seem to get off. i have definitely made progress but any help or suggestions will be appreciated

Jewelers Rouge and a buffing wheel on a rotary polisher! Brown or Green stick will bring that out just fine!


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[DannyC]

If you want a mirror polish - then it's simple.

Wire wheel - fine grade and buff the heck out of it. Be careful you don't move any metal (yes, you can move aluminum besides abrade it).

Then its sand paper - on a machine, hook and loop and on a soft accessory pad. Machines pad is too hard and doesn't flex enough.

220 - 500 - 1000 - 1500 then a buff, with a machine of choice. Between the spokes use a ball buffer and big grit first.

Inspect carefully before final polishing to high luster mirror finish. Determine what step you need to take next. A cutting bar on a buff or finer sand paper. Should take about an hour per wheel.
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If you want painted wheels. Then used acid. First is sit and rinse. Next it is sit and brush and rinse. Inspect.

Not cutting it, then its a more aggressive attack - see above.

Anything else and your wasting your time going nowhere.

If you just want to get it done without wasting a huge amount of time and money (because you aren't getting any useful results) then bead blast for a textured finish (extremely mild texture, just enough to hold onto paint) or walnut shell. That takes everything that isn't metal off. Look for Sand Blasters in your area and stop wasting time - time is MONEY.

If you want to actually make money fixing up wheels then get a blaster of your own. You can do a lot of different parts in it. You can buy a full cabinet or make one or just buy a small walk in tent to contain all the media, but you then have to have a fresh air supply to work in it.

This could go on and on. but if it was just a one off job, then just blast it in the back yard with a dust mask. Check Harbor Freight.

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[blkSRT]

Just did a set like that. What’s weird was iron x soap straight didn’t react nor did meguiar’s dub wheel cleaner. Also tried meguiar’s non acid 4 to 1 with no results. Had to go to an old standby poorboy’s spray and rinse. It’s acid so don’t let it dry. I used it 4 to 1.

[MattPersman]

Yep I’ll echo others acid based wheel cleaner as long as those aren’t some weird non coated polished wheels

Poorboys, megs, etc all make acid based wheel cleaners. Spray. Dwell, pressure wash heavily


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[BRLAHTI]

Yep I’ll echo others acid based wheel cleaner as long as those aren’t some weird non coated polished wheels

Poorboys, megs, etc all make acid based wheel cleaners. Spray. Dwell, pressure wash heavily


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Hmm may have to consider that route then. They are fuel hostage wheels.