Can I restore these rims?

[Dave87]

Hi, I have a set of ION Alloy rims with a chrome finish on them. They are about 9 years old. They look as if some cleaner was used on them that destroyed them. Or maybe road salt overtime ruined them? I am curious if I could just clean them up myself or if they would need to be refinished.

I took these pictures right after washing the wheels. I also have used mild rim cleaner which did nothing. All the spots visible on the rim seem to be stained on permanently.

any help appreciated

Thanks,
Dave

[blkSRT]

They don't look like chrome to me. More like polished aluminum. Have you tried anything to clean them?

[Dave87]

They don't look like chrome to me. More like polished aluminum. Have you tried anything to clean them?

They are aluminum with some sort of chrome finish to simulate a chrome look. One picture is a stock photo of a new one, about how it should look. I have only tired a mild rim cleaner with no luck.

[blkSRT]

Might be PVD chrome. Do you have any compounds/polishes?

[Dave87]

No, I kind of have held off on buying anything at the moment because I wasn't sure what would work best or even if they are a lost cause.

[blkSRT]

Try to find flitz locally. You should be able to find it at a hardware store.

[Sherif]

I think you should try this Meg's kit (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-wheel-polishing-kit.html).. But first clean them well with good wheel cleaner like Sonax or Meg's then clay before you start polishing.

[blkSRT]

I don't think that would be good idea. It looks like that kit is more for uncoated aluminum.

[Setec Astronomy]

Do the barrels look the same? Do you have a mild polish or AIO that you could try on a spot (preferably the barrel) and see what it does?

If those are polished aluminum with clear over them then you may be able to bring them back fine. Looks like you still have some brake dust on them though.

[trashmanssd]

They don't look like chrome to me. More like polished aluminum. Have you tried anything to clean them?

I am with you Chromed Aluminum usually looks different when it pits.

Like this. the pitting sticks up a lot and can be sharp.
http://www.ssrfanatic.com/forum/attachments/f4/2562d1113967579-best-method-cost-get-chrome-wheels-im000604.jpg

his rim looks like its consistently faded and small pits which is what you see on polished aluminium. OP make sure your are chrome I had set of aftermarkets on my old pick up and it was 150$ polished Aluminum and 250$ they came in Chromed Aluminum (aluminum rims coated in chrome) same exact rim just a optional finish.

[Paul A.]

Those wheels look very salvageable to me. Will they look original? Maybe not but given the info already provided they'll be close and that may be satisfactory. I LOVE AIO's for this kind of condition after a thorough wash, clay and decon.

[trashmanssd]

here is a link to refinishing old Aluminum rims Mike posted on here.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/25403-show-car-garage-video-how-clean-polish-aluminum-wheels-machine-flitz-metal-polish.html