cleaning aluminum wheels
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,495
Likes: 17
From: Kuna ID
Don't use anything like carb or brake parts cleaner, it will scar the wheels. I use Mothers mag and aluminum polish(which also works on clear plastic). That or try some polishing compound, I have used it to remove old paint from chrome.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 432
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From: Pulaski, TN
if it is polished alluminum don't spay anything on them, use soap and water and a bug scrubber, one of those square ones, then use some polish. if they are not polished wheels then you can use some alluminum brightener it is an acid, if you can find it somewhere, spray it own let it set about 10 minutes then wash with soap and water and rinse. find someone that does car care for a living they can probally get you some, i used to do it when i worked at M&M CUSTOM AUTOMOTIVE installing wheels and accessories and detailing (cleaning) cars, we got it from a local guy his company was SHOWCAR carcare.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by Sycostang67
I use Mothers mag and aluminum polish(which also works on clear plastic).
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 21,113
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From: Ohio
If you have polished aluminum wheels go to your local truck stop or look for Busch aluminum polish. Busch is the best on the market and uses no acid. Buff the wheel till your satisfied, use a soft clean cloth and use dry corn starch to remove any residue left from polishing. Use air to blow off the corn starch and your done. You can also remove residue with windex window cleaner but the results are not as good as the dry method.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,209
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From: Nowhere, SE OK
i just recently got some horribly stained and corroded aluminum wheels for my truck. used mothers mag and aluminum wheel polish, and they shine nearly like new.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
What are the stock aluminum wheels on a 01 F350? Polished or not. Mine look heavily oxidized. They were badly scratched and nicked by the previous owner.
I tried some never-dull cleaning clothes in a small area of the wheel but it turned that spot black. The resultant smear does not want to come off.
Reg
I tried some never-dull cleaning clothes in a small area of the wheel but it turned that spot black. The resultant smear does not want to come off.
Reg
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 398
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From: NORTH CAROLINA
When my aluminum dually wheels get salt grim build up and etc I go to family dollar and buy a gallon of clear white ammonia and a pack of soft fine wool pads.I pour the ammonia on the surface and then scrub with wool and they are clean and bright really quick with no hard labor.Be sure to use rubber gloves and rinse them too.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 379
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From: maryland
try this stuff its called magic mix thet have a 2 step system a mild acid the cleans ans polish works great on fuel tankshttp://www.berrydistribution.com/cgi-local/shop.pl/SID=1066500239.25712/page=MagicMix-A.htm
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, VA
I just picked up my seventies aluminum mag wheels from my mom's house. They have been under her house for 2 1/2 decades and are heavily oxidized. Should I use any different chemical or technique on them?
Reg
Reg
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: maryland
i would go with a two step technique acid and polish if they are old wheels as you say they wont be clearcoated . and to answer your question most of your manufacturers of metal care products use a wheel like you describe badly oxidized. once you use the acid once or twice then just keep them polished.