help with wheels

[StephenK]

i got a buddy that wants me to polish his wheels and i have a few spots that i cant seem to get off. just wondering if anyone has any suggestions. [ictures are not that good sorry. i have tried neverdull as well as various polishes and pads ob a PC and my rotary.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa122/detailgod/DSCN0867.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa122/detailgod/DSCN0870.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa122/detailgod/DSCN0869.jpg

here is what they looked like before what i have done already
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa122/detailgod/DSCN0861.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa122/detailgod/DSCN0864.jpg

and here is one at the progress so far
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa122/detailgod/DSCN0862.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa122/detailgod/DSCN0865.jpg

[mrGolfRider]

try a strong AIO, i've read where people use Megs 105 to get off the hard water spots, atleast that what it looks like to me.

[Harleyguy]

It's hard to tell from the pictures .I have also used never dull and that always seems to work.May have to try somthing that has a little more bite in it then what you have used.Maybe the chrome is just worn out and the nickel is starting to show ??

[StephenK]

one of the polishes i used was Meg's ultimate compund as well as optimum polish. from a distance and in low light(2nd to last picture) they look nice but when you put some light on them(last picture) those spots really stand out and makes the wheel look like butt

[GXPWeasel]

From the pictures... it looks to me like maybe the clear coat on those aluminum wheels, is in the process of peeling, from the back side. I know this is a typical problem with ford Explorer wheels that are neglected, so I don't see why a Mustang Mach wheels, if neglected as well, wouldn't have the same problem. My guess is they will need to be re-cleared to fix 100% :(

[Jimmie]

I applaud you. Huge improvement that you may not be able to make much better.
Sometimes it seems like a double edge sword. A wheel may already be ruined by rust pitting or similar. It's still tough to think about getting too aggressive but just for example; what's worse, the rust or some scratches? I'm just spewing but sorta know what you're up against without seeing them.

[StephenK]

From the pictures... it looks to me like maybe the clear coat on those aluminum wheels, is in the process of peeling, from the back side. I know this is a typical problem with ford Explorer wheels that are neglected, so I don't see why a Mustang Mach wheels, if neglected as well, wouldn't have the same problem. My guess is they will need to be re-cleared to fix 100% :(

i was afraid it was the clearcoat peeling. which is why i have not gone drastic with them and wet sanded them.


I applaud you. Huge improvement that you may not be able to make much better.
Sometimes it seems like a double edge sword. A wheel may already be ruined by rust pitting or similar. It's still tough to think about getting too aggressive but just for example; what's worse, the rust or some scratches? I'm just spewing but sorta know what you're up against without seeing them.


there is a improvement but those little spots just make it all seem not worth it. thanks

[ObsessiveAutoDetail]

From the pictures... it looks to me like maybe the clear coat on those aluminum wheels, is in the process of peeling, from the back side. I know this is a typical problem with ford Explorer wheels that are neglected, so I don't see why a Mustang Mach wheels, if neglected as well, wouldn't have the same problem. My guess is they will need to be re-cleared to fix 100% :(


Toyota/Scion TRD rims do the same thing. I wound up taking mine to a wheel shop to have them refinished. Under $450.00 for $3,000 worth of rims. Keep in mind I took them off during the winter and they're under 1 year old. It just happens.

[ScottB]

For coated wheels you have to stick to paint polishes and products. Etching from previous harsh cleaners is almost impossible to remove without repair or wetsanding if rather light.

[StephenK]

i talked with the owner of these wheels and he is saying they are not coated. they are polished aluminum. he is talking about clearing them once i am done. i may try wetsanding or 0000 steel wool today

[Chip]

i talked with the owner of these wheels and he is saying they are not coated. they are polished aluminum. he is talking about clearing them once i am done. i may try wetsanding or 0000 steel wool today

I would agree, that would be next step since they're not clear coated.
Let us know how it turns out!
They're looking much better BTW.