Discolored Murky hazy chrome rims

[Kris R]

I bought my truck a few months ago and it has a nice set of 20" chrome Helo MAxx rims. Two of the rims look brand new. Shiny clear chrome and clean up NICE. The other two LOOK like they are coated with dirt or break dust and after a proper cleaning, (Megs APC+ and or ARO) it looks the same. Ive taken NEVER DULL, SIMICHROME and other chrome polishes and went to town. All it seemed to do is make the rims amazingly smooth (like clay bar on paint) but the brown hazy is still there. It seems to be beneath the surface and I don't know what to do. Im not TOO broken up over it because Im planning to get new tires and rims next year but was curious....

I searched A TON of chrome threads here but none were this particular issue.

[James K]

Pics?

[Kris R]

heres one of the rims in good shape. its bright.

http://oi54.tinypic.com/vihffc.jpg

heres one of the trouble makers.....

http://oi54.tinypic.com/99nh9v.jpg

[POPPAJ]

Doesn't look like chrome to me. Polished aluminum?

[Kris R]

They are Helo Maxx Rims. They only come in chrome or black. I thought the same but the good ones are CLEARLY chrome. the murkiness seems to be beneath the surface...

[2kredbb6]

So do the trouble makers feel smooth you say?

[Vegas Transplant]

^^^^
I realize that this is an old thread, but the wheels (probably steer axle) were neglected prior to purchase, and acid cleaned before the new tires were installed.
When cleaning with acid, many production detailers will apply and agitate before rinsing, which allows not only the acid to dwell for too long of a period, but also for the particulates to cause damage while cleaning.

What was your solution?

[rustytruck]

They look stained. To strong of a cleaner at some point. Always use the least powerful cleaner you can on wheels.

[Mike Phillips]

IF that's a chrome coating I agree with the others, the chrome is somehow stained.


Rubbing to a small area with a white cloth and very fine aluminum polish like Mothers Billet Wheel Polish or Meguiar's NXT Metal Polysh would tell you real fast if it's chrome or aluminum.


Now days, it's completely possible for "Marketing" to label and call a polished aluminum wheel chrome and by this they mean a "chrome" look, not actually real chrome.

Just a guess not my belief as I'm not there in person to see the wheel.


Have you tried an Iron X type product?



:)

[ScottB]

could they have been coated ?? It does look like rust type staining. Are you using a chrome specific polish ???

[ihaveacamaro]

Guys, the last time the OP was on this forum was nearly a month ago...