Cleaning rims

[96whitechevy]

My rims are starting to rust and i dont know why they are. There after market rims. I brought brand new from sears not even 2 years ago. They are not fully chrome but have a chrome finish. Any good rim cleaner to get rust off and other dirt?

[blue-bandit]

You can use some VERY fine steel wool on the chrome and then buff them with some compound after you remove the rust. Works awesome on chrome exhaust tips as well that get rusty.

[Desert Chevies]

I'd start with compound first by hand in a small area just to see what happens.

[96whitechevy]

I have tried compound by hand. I used some of this rust removal stuff that comes in a can and is like cloth that you scrub with. I got most the rust off but i had black specs where the rust was and now the rust is back. Am trying to get in touch with sears and see if these rims are still unde warrenty if not il use some steel wool and compound. What is the best compound?

[Joe]

Personally, I'd clean the entire wheel and not just the rim

[96whitechevy]

So I should try steel wool? do i need to put the compound on the steel wool when i go to scrubbing? Also does that stuff that is just like steel wool but has soap inside it work? would that work on these rims?

[Desert Chevies]

So I should try steel wool? do i need to put the compound on the steel wool when i go to scrubbing? Also does that stuff that is just like steel wool but has soap inside it work? would that work on these rims?

I'd try some very light non soap steel wool and 3M compound, the black spots are pits in the finish and until they are cleaned and polished then seal coated
it will be a constant battle.

[The Greek]

I'd try some very light non soap steel wool and 3M compound, the black spots are pits in the finish and until they are cleaned and polished then seal coated
it will be a constant battle.

Seal Coated? Please explain, my rims are suffering from the same ailment...Thanks! I used Mothers chrome polish with much success.....

[DroppedAsAChild]

use super fine 0000 steel wool. I did my coys 20's and I washed them first with soap and water and then I used a foaming glass cleaner to lubricate the steel wool, I also soaked the steel wool in water then glass cleaner. and Used smooth small circular motion and then I went over them with metal polish, then wax, then a compound and then finally a sealant and Im happy with my results. They look brand new.

[The Greek]

Can you suggest a sealant or brand of sealant? I've got every thing else down.....Thanks!

[DroppedAsAChild]

Adams Sealant. I used a Test bottle of some type of sealant my buddy gave me , cant remember the name. But Id go with Adams or poor boys.As long as its a good paint sealant.

[sportsman70004]

#0000 steel wool and WD 40 works good, then mash good and then polish them.

[96whitechevy]

I got some fine steel wool the other day and i have a compound call blue magic. Could i put the blue magic on the wool and then rub away and reapply it with a cloth then wipe off. Would this work? And also what else do i need? I also have some compound called turtle wax chrome polish and rust remover which one would be better to use or should i try both? Also do i need something for the black pitting spots?

[UnderCover W/T]

I got some fine steel wool the other day and i have a compound call blue magic. Could i put the blue magic on the wool and then rub away and reapply it with a cloth then wipe off. Would this work? And also what else do i need? I also have some compound called turtle wax chrome polish and rust remover which one would be better to use or should i try both? Also do i need something for the black pitting spots?

I would try a small area and see what you get. You dont want to ruin your wheels. Having them blasted and painted will be a lot more expensive than scrubbing for a couple minutes and waiting.

I have used the turtle wax chrome polish and it worked well but they were on a well plated wheel.

[96whitechevy]

use super fine 0000 steel wool. I did my coys 20's and I washed them first with soap and water and then I used a foaming glass cleaner to lubricate the steel wool, I also soaked the steel wool in water then glass cleaner. and Used smooth small circular motion and then I went over them with metal polish, then wax, then a compound and then finally a sealant and Im happy with my results. They look brand new.

whats the difference between polish wax compound and sealant? and do you know any good brands? i tried blue magic but its a polish it cleaned pretty good but i need something more aggressive. also tried turtle wax chrome polish and rust remover didnt do a thing

[DroppedAsAChild]

Do you have a pic of the wheels ?

[96whitechevy]

Do you have a pic of the wheels ?

this is what they looked like before i cleaned them


the rust


where i cleaned


the stuff thats on the wheel

[96whitechevy]

would a paint wax protect them? or do i need a sealant? if i need a sealant whats a good brand? my friend said to clearcoat them. so what should i do? i cleaned them up and got the rust off but its still pitted where the rust was. so what will keep the rust away? just found out that the center cap where the rust is chrome and the rest of the rim is polished aluminum.