I am buying a set of used 18 inch chrome Navigator wheels to go on my F150.The wheels have spots and streaks on them.I am assuming it was caused from a chemical cleaner of some kind.The streaks and spots would not come off using Turtle polish or wax.I need your help in removing these stubborn stains.Does anyone have experience with this problem and does anyone know of something that will remove the stains without ruining the chrome?Thank You So Much!

 

were they clear coated wheels?

 

MJEmerson, I am not sure if they are or not.If I had to guess I would guess no clearcoat.Even if it meant removing the clearcoat to get the stains off I think it would be worth it.I could probably take them and have a coat of clearcoat sprayed on.Any ideas on removing the stains?Thanks!

 

Could anyone tell me the best way to remove stains on chrome?Thanks!

 

i have always used #000 steel wool to clean chrome

 

The type of stain makes a huge difference.
Semi-chrome (comes in a yellow tube), Mothers Polish (small jar like cold cream), Never-Dull (comes in can, looks like soggy steelwool) are all great for removing stains on metal.

On paint, there is always polishing compound or more likely, rubbing compound.

Stains imply on the surface. Are we talking that, or are they burned into the finish?
Darn, wish you could post pics.

My F-150 wheels are clear coated, that's STX stock and Lariat five double spokes.
I suspect the Nav ones are as well.

I will do a quick search in my detailing forum and post more, if I find it.
Good luck.
Chris

 

Confirmed that the alloy wheels used by Ford and Lincoln are all clear coated. Be very very careful with abrasives. Chris

 

What kind of stains??? Water spots? ?????


You can try 'Flitz' cleaner/polish.
I just received a new tube. I ordered it from Brownell's.

GREAT stuff!!!
Wipe it on the clean surface. . . . wipe it off with a paper towel!

Cleans brass to make it look like it's brand new. I love the stuff.

 

Chris, I hope to get the new camera thing figured out.We did finally get the 512 digital memory card formatted and are taking pictures again.That was a start and plan to figure out more soon.Anyway, the Navigator wheels I am buying have streaks and spots that look like yellow water marks.I think it is chemical stains.I have only seen a picture of them.I asked the seller to try some polish and she did.The email I got back said the Turtle Polish or Wax she used did not phase the stains.I did not want to over burden her.Well, I am taking a chance on buying them but have committed.We have the alarm set for 4:30 am and are leaving to go get them in the morning.It is a 730 mile round trip.I am going to show my wife some places my company sent me to, before I retired, along the way.I thought maybe if I asked you guys (the experts) how to get the stains off I might have some good replys when I got back.You know I thought "Chris Adams" would know what to use when I did this post.Thanks Chris and if you think of another good cleaner please let me know.I wish I knew what type of chemical it is that caused the stain.It looks like something that might have happened at the car wash.Thank You Very Much!

 

These are stains on chrome Navigator rims that I am buying.Turtle polish or wax did not phase the stains.The stains look like water stains, but must be from some kind of chemical.If I had to guess I would say the stains are from a chemical used at the car wash.The steel wool might be a little too abrasive I am not sure.The Flitz would probably be okay if it does not take off the clear coat.If you fellows think of anything else please let me know.Thank You Very Much!

 

Like wilhntr said. I use steel wool and chrome polish and have used it for years with great results.

 

Flitz works great but if you need to go a step above that but below steel wool try white jewelers rouge.If you live near a truck stop it is readily available there. I use it on my big rigs chrome and stainless trim.I don't think the chrome wheels that Ford uses have a clear coat,but i could be mistaken.

 

has any one tryed noxon cleaner? it works for me on any thing that needs polishing

 

As a Harley rider over the years, chrome stains are common place.

Go to a motorcycle shop and ask for White Lighting.

Be sure to shake it well between each application.

It will do the trick, so long as the stain has not penetrated the clearcoat.

If it has penetrated the clearcoat, the W L still might work, but the finest jeweler rouge you can find will work the best.

 

There seems to be some confusion in this thread. The Nav wheels are all listed as alloy, with clear coat. Not chrome or chromed. If these wheels are chrome I can't find any listing for them as stock Nav wheels. Chrome wheels are a low end option on F-150 this year, and standard on the XL last year. But those are the only chrome wheels that fit our trucks that I can find listed.

So I am assuming the wheels here are alloy, not actual chrome.
Chris