Nasty Wheel Barrels, Help Please!

**kochdalton87** · 07-02-2013, 10:04 PM

Tonight I had the wheels off the car to paint the calipers and drums and while I was at it I noticed how bad the wheel barrels are. The barrels toward the outside are super rough, like 40 grit sand paper so it isn't just normal dirt on them. By the looks of it they've never been properly cleaned. Does anybody have any suggestions on what to use and do to clean these up? I'd like to get them super clean for an upcoming car show so any help would be appreciated greatly.
Thanks and btw if I need to order anything I can as I will be making an AG order in the near future... The strongest wheel cleaner I have is Sonax... Thanks!

**Mike@DedicatedPerfection** · 07-02-2013, 10:07 PM

Since you have Sonax on hand give that a shot before you order anything and see where that gets you. You will also need some thorough agitation.

**SYMAWD** · 07-02-2013, 10:15 PM

Start with Sonax. If there is grease back there too, you'll need an APC. After that, clay will help too.

**kochdalton87** · 07-02-2013, 10:40 PM

Okay thanks, I'll try that in the morning. I appreciate it.

**kochdalton87** · 07-03-2013, 03:56 PM

Alright, I did use the Sonax and that took care of the general dirt but not the tough stuff so I proceeded to use 3 different grades of steel wool to clean them. It seems that I have rust/corrosion on the barrels that doesn't want to scrub off. I have it leveled for the most part but can't get it gone. What would you guys recommend doing to get these wheels perfect? I have access to orbital sanders, should I try to hit them with sandpaper on the coarse areas? Just throwing some ideas out before I go ahead on any... Let me know. Thanks

**kochdalton87** · 07-03-2013, 03:56 PM

Here's the pic:

**jlax2485** · 07-03-2013, 04:22 PM

Iron-x will work well on the rust.

**Shtexas** · 07-03-2013, 04:44 PM

What are your wheels made of? Polished aluminum?

**oldmodman** · 07-03-2013, 05:09 PM

I have a sure fire method of cleaning impossible surfaces on the portion of the wheel that YOU DO NOT SEE.

Comet and a stiff brush. I did a set of 20 year old, never ever cleaned Ford Explorer aluminum wheel and it got rid of all the crud.
And I tried all my standard cleaners first with little to no success.

**kochdalton87** · 07-03-2013, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by Shtexas

What are your wheels made of? Polished aluminum?

Pretty sure they are polished aluminum.

Originally Posted by oldmodman

I have a sure fire method of cleaning impossible surfaces on the portion of the wheel that YOU DO NOT SEE.

Comet and a stiff brush. I did a set of 20 year old, never ever cleaned Ford Explorer aluminum wheel and it got rid of all the crud.
And I tried all my standard cleaners first with little to no success.

Okay, what exactly is comet? Did a quick search but didn't come up with anything definite. The goal is to get the rust totally cleaned off or at least hidden in a sense for a car show. Right now it doesn't look too good with all the rust showing near the face of the rim.

Thanks guys!