Which wheel cleaner for...

LuxuryMobile

LuxuryMobile

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Which wheel cleaner would you use on uncoated aluminum that is pretty dirty.

Going to be doing a full makeover on a Miata to flip and sell. The wheels aren't terrible on the face but the barrels are rather dirty.

Any suggestions?
 
I think Sonax Full Efect, Mothers Aluminum Wheel Cleaner, and P21s are all safe for uncoated aluminum. I would check with whatever company you purchase from before hand just to be safe.
 
On uncoated aluminum I use soap and water only. Then follow up with a metal polish. Its a very dirty and time consuming job

*Edit... Clay the wheels before polishing
 
Flash Gordon said:
On uncoated aluminum I use soap and water only. Then follow up with a metal polish. Its a very dirty and time consuming job

*Edit... Clay the wheels before polishing
Click to expand...

:whs:

A pH balanced soap would be ideal as well.
 
If anyone is familiar with some Miata wheels, these have such a texture to them there almost porous. Let me try to get pictures. Soap and water put a dent in these unfortunately.
 
LuxuryMobile said:
If anyone is familiar with some Miata wheels, these have such a texture to them there almost porous. Let me try to get pictures. Soap and water put a dent in these unfortunately.
Click to expand...

If their factory, I'm 99.999% sure their coated

I know the wheel you speak of. Do they have baked on brake dust?
 
Not on the face they don't, but on the inside they are real bad (brake dust)

They are factory, I want to think they are coated but the texture just makes me think differently. I could always use to Meg Wheel Brightener on the way inside barrel to test it...
 
Sonax. I keep a 5 liter jug around just for that reason. That and painted rims.
 
If they are porous aluminum wheels, the best I found is Eagle 1 Mag Wheel Cleaner. It is very acidic but it cleans the Centerlines on my Camaro with ease.
It states not to use on polished or coated wheels, so it may not work in your application.
 
Sinbad said:
If they are porous aluminum wheels, the best I found is Eagle 1 Mag Wheel Cleaner. It is very acidic but it cleans the Centerlines on my Camaro with ease.
It states not to use on polished or coated wheels, so it may not work in your application.
Click to expand...

Huge +1 on this stuff for uncoated wheels. I had a car with uncoated, non-polished aluminum wheels and the Eagle 1 Mag cleaned them up brighter than anything else I've ever used. Just be sure to use it in a well ventilated area and I recommend wearing gloves because it is very acidic.
 
I use P21s gel or Sonax FE. Both work great and are safe on uncoated aluminum. Just spray and let it dwell.

I got this tip from Todd Helme for Sonax FE- if you have a problem spot get a small brush and brush Sonax onto the area and allow it to dwell. The brush will be more precise and it will remove the dirt with a little agitation.
 
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