wheel cleaning

[BRLAHTI]

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

[Narron15]

Try a clay bar.

[rlmccarty2000]

Iron-X paste will help with the iron buildup.

[BRLAHTI]

Try a clay bar.

i tried claybar but way to much build up to even make a dent on it. need to knock out some more cleaning before taking the claybar to it.

[BRLAHTI]

Iron-X paste will help with the iron buildup.

i didn't know they had a paste ill have to check it out.

[Rsurfer]

Meg's Wheel Brightner, but take caution when using an acid.

[Kacz]

Steam cleaner?

My buddy had nasty buildup around the lugnut area (neglected pre-owned BMW) and the steam cleaner made quick work of it. Then I followed it with my normal cleaning regimen.

However, the buildup can be different in every case, but it could be worth a shot.

[BRLAHTI]

Steam cleaner?

My buddy had nasty buildup around the lugnut area (neglected pre-owned BMW) and the steam cleaner made quick work of it. Then I followed it with my normal cleaning regimen.

However, the buildup can be different in every case, but it could be worth a shot.


That would be a good suggestion just dont have access to one and dont know if i could see putting up the money to purchase one right this second.

[sudsmobile]

Meg's Wheel Brightner, but take caution when using an acid.

I must be the only one not impressed in the least with Megs Wheel Brightener. Maybe I got a bad batch.

[Eldorado2k]

Megs Non Acid Wheel & Tire Cleaner, but take caution when using an alkaline.

[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.

63405

63406

[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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