How to clean Aluminum wheels

[StangII78]

Anyone know how to shine up aluminum wheels? The five star wheels(I know, old school) on my car are a little dull and I would like to shine them up a little. It looks like oxidation has gotten the best of them and need something that will remove it. Thanks for any help.

Kevin

 

[Steel Steeds]

I've been really happy with this stuff: Flitz

I bought one of their starter kits at a car show, got a good price on it and after watching the demo I was suitably impressed. Takes a little time to get a good shine, but it holds up well.

 

[78CobraII]

If you still have your clearcoat, something like Simple Green cleaner will help get the brake dust off without damage.

If you are down to bare aluminum, either the Flitz Polishing Ball or the Mother's PowerBall would be good starting points. Depending on how oxidized the aluminum is, you might have to get a heavier grade of polishing compound than comes with the ball. Any auto paint supply place can get you a good selection of polishing compounds.

 

[Wart]

Media blasting followed with clear powder coat.

Who says rims have to be shiny. ?

 

[StangII78]

Media blasting followed with clear powder coat.

Who says rims have to be shiny. ?

I like your idea about rims. I don't care to much for chrome rims.
Thanks guys for the advice. They do still have the clear coat on them. I plan on getting Weld wheels in the future but want to get these looking decent for right-now. I've heard of using aircraft paint stripper on the clear coat to remove it. IDK if it would hurt the aluminum though.

 

[Mstng2]

Some products that worked well for me...

EagleOne Mag wheel cleaner for Bare aluminum followed by Mothers Aluminum polish. (also works for cleared wheels but will leave the clear a more milky color. (But better than nasty aged yellow in some cases)

EagleOne Clear Coat Mag Wheel cleaner for clear coated mags.

Lastly you can strip the clear with paint remover then use the eagle one etching mag cleaner then the polish... Lots of work but you'll end up with a nice shine. Oh but be aware the paint stripper deal is a PAIN the clear coming off gets everywhere and you have to do it a couple of times or more to get it all off.

Good Luck!

 

[Blue coyote]

"aircraft" paint stripper is usually made specifically to not mess up the aluminum...

 

[StangII78]

"aircraft" paint stripper is usually made specifically to not mess up the aluminum...

Yea, duh airplanes are loaded with aluminum. Thanks again for the advice everyone. I working on my interior currently and when I'm done I'll give them a shot.