Aluminum wheels

[FirstClass 383]

I got some weld aluminum wheels , that could use a good cleaning.
what is the best way to clean and get them all polish up like new, I've tried mothers, but not sure i like the mess it makes

 

[thepcsurgeon]

Post up a picture of them. They may need a buffer to knock of the crude then polished out. Very messy job. Takes a long time but they look real good when done. Needed to do this on a 20 year old set of Welds Drag rims I had way back.

Before....
But no after picture, due to sale of the car.

 

[foxtrot]

Most of the aluminum rims that I've seen have a clear coat and once it's compromised the aluminum can oxidize. I'm thinking that if your rims are polished with a buffing wheel that they will only look nice for a while before the oxidize again..

 

[DRIVEN]

I've had good luck with Heavy Metal polish.

 

[pencero]

I had decent luck with Wesley's Bleech White an electric tooth brush and some Rem - oil for protectorant from brake dust afterward

 

[565bbchevy]

I don't think you can avoid the mess when doing polishing you just have to prepare for it.
I polish everything with a electric buffer on a stand and have a medium wheel on one end and a softer one on the other.
Typically one of the compounds I use will cut through and get a shine and then I will finish off with a polishing compound and sometimes use Meguires metal polish or Mothers for the final polish after that.
I usually bring my buffer outside if possible because the residue will go everywhere and I wear a hoodie, leather gloves and an old flip up welding helmet with a clear lens.
When you polish something that was anodized all of that will have to be removed and smoothed out before polishing

 

[shanghaismith]

I haven't read this article yet but it may help you.
http://www.eastwood.com/blog/tech-a...2941&utm_campaign=1EM2941&utm_content=1EM2941

 

[FirstClass 383]

I haven't read this article yet but it may help you.
http://www.eastwood.com/blog/tech-articles/how-to-repair-a-damaged-aluminum-alloy-wheel/?SRCCODE=1EM2941&trk_msg=P8PM39DH5224507GJN0KGNG5U4&trk_contact=CBHRHI78L1FOF2J8IOUDUCSGCK&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http://www.eastwood.com/blog/tech-articles/how-to-repair-a-damaged-aluminum-alloy-wheel/?SRCCODE=1EM2941&utm_campaign=1EM2941&utm_content=1EM2941

lol i think that this artical is way beyon anthing i can do but thanks for that input

 

[FirstClass 383]

well i started by using some metal polish WHAT A MESS Did i get myself in too, it is a job. i did end up using mothers
made all the differance in the world . thank you all for your input and MY BLACK fingers well worth it

 

[hotwheelsboy28]

Polishing is no fun and a lot of work and a very dirty job.