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Author Topic: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims  (Read 19068 times)

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Duchess

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"Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« on: January 13, 2012, 03:52:34 pm »
I tried to clean/polish (Mequiar's Hot Rims Chrome Polish) my chrome rims BUT there is white stuff on it (looks like mold) and I can't get it off. I am afraid if I would use something more abrasive I might scratch the rims. What can/should I do?

Donster

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2012, 03:54:37 pm »
Hmmm..... maybe wait till your hubby gets home and ask him to do it? Nah........bad idea!

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Duchess

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2012, 04:00:21 pm »
I wanted to be done before you're back home. Still bad idea? .... fg ;)

Fierofool

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2012, 04:20:03 pm »
The wheels were originally polished and then coated with a clear lacquer or enamel.  That's either chipped or flaked away and the exposed aluminum has oxidized, developing what looks like what you describe as white mold.  You can get small buffer wheels to be used in a power drill.  They come in a variety of materials.  To clean without damaging, use the type that look like the 3M Scotchbrite pads used to clean glass stovetops.  Different colors are used to identify the abrasiveness.  I believe the black ones are most abrasive.  I use a brown one.

It takes a little work, but you can clean the wheels pretty good with the brown buffer wheel.  Then use a good aluminum polish.  I have some metal polish that comes in a stick.  It's called polishing rouge.  I use a cloth wheel for that.  Spin the wheel against the end of the rouge, then apply the wheel to the lip of the wheel.  It turns black as it polishes, bujt that wipes off with a cloth.  Afterward, apply a good coat of automotive wax to protect the polished surface. 
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TopNotch

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2012, 08:42:22 pm »
It could be that the white stuff you see is aging clear coat, and not oxidized aluminum. If you want to polish the aluminum on a wheel like this, you have to completely remove the old clear coat. It's  not easy, but you may be able to do it with the polishing wheels like Fierofool suggested.
The more complex the mind, the greater the need for the simplicity of play.

Raydar

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2012, 11:26:23 pm »
I posted this on Pennocks a few years ago. It's a PITA, but it works.
http://www.fiero.nl/cgi-bin/main.cgi?WheelPolishing
...

Duchess

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2012, 10:49:02 am »
Thanks guys.
Raydar.... You're absolutely right @PITA

Fiero GTB

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #7 on: January 23, 2012, 10:58:50 am »
Duchess:

I finally got around to looking up the Oxy wheel-cleaner I mentioned.

You will like it, since it's German ;- )

Nigrin-Oxy-Energy

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Donster

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #8 on: January 23, 2012, 11:15:05 am »
Too bad the link doesn't work ;D
Must say though, many bad reviews for that product on German boards/forums
 
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TopNotch

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #9 on: January 23, 2012, 03:13:14 pm »
Try Mother's Mag and Aluminum Wheel Polish.
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Fiero GTB

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Re: "Cleaning/Polishing" chrome rims
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2012, 10:18:37 pm »
Too bad the link doesn't work ;D
Must say though, many bad reviews for that product on German boards/forums
 
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