Wheel cleaner

[aerologic]

Ok. I've read a bit on this board about wheel cleaning. I'm getting frustrated. My aluminum wheels have some white crud on them that I assume is aluminum oxide. You can't really even feel it. I've tried:

1) Aluminum wheel cleaner.
2) Bathroom products like soft scrub
3) Chrome cleaner
4) Not the "blue" something listed elsewhere

I'm only working a a couple square inch area scrubbing like crazy. Absolutely NO effect. There HAS to be the holy grail of cleaner out there. What is it?? Heck. I'm ready to open my old Chemistry books. I REALLY don't want to do that! Help!

Thanks!

[Jess]

Most of the problems with Re wheels are related to the laquer that was sprayed at the factory..

The engine wheels and all aluminum was clear coated with a laquer that had a slight yellow cast to it...

When it fails... (it always does) it resembles oxizidation...

Your wheels may be oxidized... I don't know, as I have not seen them.

The way to correct the problem is to strip the wheels, polish them, (then clear if so desired) relace them and go...

Done it many times...

Good luck

Best,

Jess

[aerologic]

Thanks Jess,

Rats! I just had fresh tires put on. Can this stripping be done with the tires on? If so how? Bead blasting or the like? Chemical?

There is definitely no yellow cast to the wheels or engine. Just some wispy white stuff around a little. I'll post a closeup picture later...

Maybe I can just live with the wheels this way for a while.

[suzsmokeyallan]

As Jess says it sounds like the clearcoat has failed and you have 'the dust' under it where its white.
Just forget about it till you change the tyres next time, then you'll have to strip the wheels down completely and work on the rims.
Its a job and i have a set to do for my cafe 72 Buffalo as well, so i dont pity you only...