wheel cleaning
- Thread starter BRLAHTI
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rlmccarty2000
New member
- Dec 23, 2013
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Iron-X paste will help with the iron buildup.
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- #4
i tried claybar but way to much build up to even make a dent on it. need to knock out some more cleaning before taking the claybar to it.
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- #5
i didn't know they had a paste ill have to check it out.
Steam cleaner?
My buddy had nasty buildup around the lugnut area (neglected pre-owned BMW) and the steam cleaner made quick work of it. Then I followed it with my normal cleaning regimen.
However, the buildup can be different in every case, but it could be worth a shot.
My buddy had nasty buildup around the lugnut area (neglected pre-owned BMW) and the steam cleaner made quick work of it. Then I followed it with my normal cleaning regimen.
However, the buildup can be different in every case, but it could be worth a shot.
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- #8
That would be a good suggestion just dont have access to one and dont know if i could see putting up the money to purchase one right this second.
sudsmobile
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- Jan 10, 2018
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I must be the only one not impressed in the least with Megs Wheel Brightener. Maybe I got a bad batch.
Eldorado2k
Well-known member
- Nov 9, 2015
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Megs Non Acid Wheel & Tire Cleaner, but take caution when using an alkaline.
DaveT435
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- Jun 23, 2012
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These wheels had 10-12 years of build up. Here is a before and after pics. This is one application of McKee's wheel cleaner and a little work with a brush.
View attachment 63405
View attachment 63406
View attachment 63405
View attachment 63406
TMQ
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- Mar 4, 2015
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ACCLAY
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- Mar 26, 2017
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Jewelers Rouge and a buffing wheel on a rotary polisher! Brown or Green stick will bring that out just fine!
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If you want a mirror polish - then it's simple.
Wire wheel - fine grade and buff the heck out of it. Be careful you don't move any metal (yes, you can move aluminum besides abrade it).
Then its sand paper - on a machine, hook and loop and on a soft accessory pad. Machines pad is too hard and doesn't flex enough.
220 - 500 - 1000 - 1500 then a buff, with a machine of choice. Between the spokes use a ball buffer and big grit first.
Inspect carefully before final polishing to high luster mirror finish. Determine what step you need to take next. A cutting bar on a buff or finer sand paper. Should take about an hour per wheel.
________________________________________________________________________________________
If you want painted wheels. Then used acid. First is sit and rinse. Next it is sit and brush and rinse. Inspect.
Not cutting it, then its a more aggressive attack - see above.
Anything else and your wasting your time going nowhere.
If you just want to get it done without wasting a huge amount of time and money (because you aren't getting any useful results) then bead blast for a textured finish (extremely mild texture, just enough to hold onto paint) or walnut shell. That takes everything that isn't metal off. Look for Sand Blasters in your area and stop wasting time - time is MONEY.
If you want to actually make money fixing up wheels then get a blaster of your own. You can do a lot of different parts in it. You can buy a full cabinet or make one or just buy a small walk in tent to contain all the media, but you then have to have a fresh air supply to work in it.
This could go on and on. but if it was just a one off job, then just blast it in the back yard with a dust mask. Check Harbor Freight.
.
Wire wheel - fine grade and buff the heck out of it. Be careful you don't move any metal (yes, you can move aluminum besides abrade it).
Then its sand paper - on a machine, hook and loop and on a soft accessory pad. Machines pad is too hard and doesn't flex enough.
220 - 500 - 1000 - 1500 then a buff, with a machine of choice. Between the spokes use a ball buffer and big grit first.
Inspect carefully before final polishing to high luster mirror finish. Determine what step you need to take next. A cutting bar on a buff or finer sand paper. Should take about an hour per wheel.
________________________________________________________________________________________
If you want painted wheels. Then used acid. First is sit and rinse. Next it is sit and brush and rinse. Inspect.
Not cutting it, then its a more aggressive attack - see above.
Anything else and your wasting your time going nowhere.
If you just want to get it done without wasting a huge amount of time and money (because you aren't getting any useful results) then bead blast for a textured finish (extremely mild texture, just enough to hold onto paint) or walnut shell. That takes everything that isn't metal off. Look for Sand Blasters in your area and stop wasting time - time is MONEY.
If you want to actually make money fixing up wheels then get a blaster of your own. You can do a lot of different parts in it. You can buy a full cabinet or make one or just buy a small walk in tent to contain all the media, but you then have to have a fresh air supply to work in it.
This could go on and on. but if it was just a one off job, then just blast it in the back yard with a dust mask. Check Harbor Freight.
.
Just did a set like that. What’s weird was iron x soap straight didn’t react nor did meguiar’s dub wheel cleaner. Also tried meguiar’s non acid 4 to 1 with no results. Had to go to an old standby poorboy’s spray and rinse. It’s acid so don’t let it dry. I used it 4 to 1.
Last edited:
MattPersman
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- Apr 27, 2013
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Yep I’ll echo others acid based wheel cleaner as long as those aren’t some weird non coated polished wheels
Poorboys, megs, etc all make acid based wheel cleaners. Spray. Dwell, pressure wash heavily
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Poorboys, megs, etc all make acid based wheel cleaners. Spray. Dwell, pressure wash heavily
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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- #18