Chrome Wheel Restoration

[Paul Lonergan]

Hi all :)

This is my first time detailing in a LOOOONG time.
I am on a mission to establish a detailing round and add it to my existing set of services.
I thought it would be best to blow out the cobwebs whilst working on one of my own cars which has been sitting under the garage for what seems like years.
I know its going to come up a treat but first there is some serious work to be done.

The chrome has seen better days. I live close to the beach so there is bit of salt, brake dust, bonded contaminant & minor pitting aswell.

I started very small with 1 x portion of a Chrome Wheel and was curious to see what the results would be.

It started like this ...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1421/IMG_0333med.JPG (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/45336)

Here you can see how much dirt and brake dust had bonded to the rim.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1421/IMG_0335med.JPG (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/45337)

A thorough wash with some soapy detergent and the change wasn't as dramatic as i had hoped.
A good rinse and dry. Then wait for the remaining water to evaporate before the next step.

I only wanted to concentrate on one small triangle & after 20 minutes of careful rubbing the results were worth the pain.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1421/IMG_0341med.JPG (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/45338)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1421/IMG_0343med.JPG (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/45339)

I'm not sure Meguiars even make this product any more however im glad i had it on hand.

My steps were...
1 x 100% Cotton towel to apply the cream & another to buff clean.
For the stubborn areas i used a small brush with VERY soft bristles to gently agitate.
Wipe Clean again & repeat
I would estimate about 3-4 hours per rim. This small area took about 6 passes to come good.
I don't intend to lay on my back for 12-16 hours cleaning chrome. I will most likely put the car on stands so i can remove the rims and gain easier access.
The goal will be to do the inner tub aswell.

Thanks for looking.
I'll be sure to update this thread with more pictures as i progress.

[Hoytman]

Some Carpro IronX, or Sonax wheel cleaner would most likey benefit your process, and time involved. In fact, the new Carpro T.R.I.X. would be right down your alley as it removes road tar and iron deposits from the brakes on each wheel. You'll most likely still need to polish those wheels, but your time would be greatly improved.

[Paul Lonergan]

thanks for your post Bill

I'm on dinner duties tonight, so look forward to having a read about these products :)


Some Carpro IronX, or Sonax wheel cleaner would most likey benefit your process, and time involved. In fact, the new Carpro T.R.I.X. would be right down your alley as it removes road tar and iron deposits from the brakes on each wheel. You'll most likely still need to polish those wheels, but your time would be greatly improved.

[Ron Atchison]

Paul have a look at these two reviews I did. They may help to save you some time and effort.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/47858-mothers-chrome-wheel-cleaner.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/47897-mothers-tire-rubber-cleaner-reflections-tire-care.html

[shoeless89]

I spent 60 hours over the winter refinishing my wheels my hand :) I feel your pain

[Paul Lonergan]

Good write up on those rzatch.
Mothers was one of the first products i ever used.
Thankyou.

Paul have a look at these two reviews I did. They may help to save you some time and effort.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/47858-mothers-chrome-wheel-cleaner.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/47897-mothers-tire-rubber-cleaner-reflections-tire-care.html

shoeless89, your either crazy or like caffeine :lol:

:Picture:


I spent 60 hours over the winter refinishing my wheels my hand :) I feel your pain