PDA

View Full Version : Best wheel cleaner that's also safe for painted wheels?



85_SS_302_Coupe
09-25-2008, 04:09 PM
I have some old ARE rims on my coupe that are in fantastic shape, perfect paint but could use some polishing on the lip. Polishing isn't a problem, but i want a spray on wheel cleaner that'll take off brake dust and clean them up really good without hurting the paint or leaving white spots all over the aluminum...just something to use in between polishings. Any suggestions?

Stangman
09-25-2008, 04:21 PM
#0000 steel wool :bigthumb

85_SS_302_Coupe
09-25-2008, 04:25 PM
Nah then they'll be satin, which they kinda are now but i like to keep them more polished looking. It's not a big deal when i keep up with them, but like right now it's been sitting for 2 weeks and they need polished bad. I just want something quick and easy to spray on to get the brake dust off more than anything. Just so that i'm not working with totally dull and hazed over aluminum every time i go to polish the lip. The catch is that the centers are painted (or factory powder coated, don't know which) and i don't wanna hurt the paint.

Stangman
09-25-2008, 04:31 PM
I use Simple Green or Purple Power.. It pulls the dust out of both wheel and tire

but Steel wool will cut the dust off, then just use some mothers or something, if you want to do that

85_SS_302_Coupe
09-25-2008, 04:33 PM
But what about getting into the spokes where it's painted? Here's the wheels i'm talking about:

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee275/EVIL85SSP/Mustang%20Pics%20and%20Videos/AREs1440x9002.jpg


The biggest problem is cleaning between the basket weave.

Stangman
09-25-2008, 04:38 PM
I cant see pictures, photobucket is blocked here.

But I know if you use a nice terry cloth and something pointy to put the cloth over you should get it outta there

those cleaners/degreasers work well for breaking up brake dust

85_SS_302_Coupe
09-25-2008, 04:55 PM
Yeah i tried Super Clean but it just leaves them all white and nasty looking. I hate using a cleaner and then using another cleaner to clean up the first cleaner.

Stangman
09-25-2008, 04:58 PM
Well, I have used purple power and as long as you wipe it off REAL good, then it doesnt look bad, then hit it with windex and wipe off. Aluminum is a bitch any way you look at it.

R825OH
09-25-2008, 06:07 PM
Dave I use Eagle One and A brush on mine. then I take nevrdull to the edges it work great!! use a good cotton rag to wipe off the residue from the nevrdull

R825OH
09-25-2008, 06:08 PM
Is Your car Painted!?!?!?!??!!

85_SS_302_Coupe
09-25-2008, 06:28 PM
Is Your car Painted!?!?!?!??!!


Heh, no, it's just in the rain in that pic. I haven't got the funds for paint :(

Your wheels are bare aluminum though aren't they? I was reading all the labels on wheel cleaners today and most of them said either don't use them on painted surfaces or don't use them on polished aluminum. Wouldn't you figure, the ones that were ok for one weren't ok for the others. I guess i'm gonna have to get out a rag and clean each F'in spoke :mad:

R825OH
09-25-2008, 08:10 PM
The centers are painted ,edge is polished.
Maybe you can get a rain machine to keep your car wet all the time! LOL It looks good dark gray!!

85_SS_302_Coupe
09-25-2008, 08:55 PM
Hmmmm....a rain machine....hmm...


Is that cheaper than a paint job? :lol:

R825OH
09-25-2008, 09:21 PM
Hmmm well I don't know that for sure:lol:

facemelter71
09-26-2008, 08:36 AM
Ive got some wheel cleaner from Car Bright at my house.You have to mix it,50/50 with water.Its pretty good.I use it on my white painted wheels on my old vert.Little bit of this stuff with a brush and a little scrubbin,the dust dribbles right off.If I can remember to,ill bring some for ya in a mountain dew bottle to the cruise in if your going to be there.

85_SS_302_Coupe
09-26-2008, 02:23 PM
Ive got some wheel cleaner from Car Bright at my house.You have to mix it,50/50 with water.Its pretty good.I use it on my white painted wheels on my old vert.Little bit of this stuff with a brush and a little scrubbin,the dust dribbles right off.If I can remember to,ill bring some for ya in a mountain dew bottle to the cruise in if your going to be there.


That would be awesome. If you don't find me just drop in my my car, i don't think you can miss it :bigthumb

facemelter71
09-26-2008, 02:39 PM
At the first cruise in you drove the XR,you drivin the stang this time?