my dads car hadnt been washed for a long long time so the brake dust had really built up on them....also, we have had a bit of snow so salt has got on them too. i spent like 10 mins scrubbing each and this was as clean as i could get them. however, i need help getting them completely clean...i need suggestions....here are the pictures

 

my answer to any rim cleaning question is Magic Eraser and Windex

 

bump

 

white lightning

 

I'd say any All Purpose Cleaner would do the trick, but Simple Green i my favorite. Use the foam tip (pull out the white part) and let it sit foaming on the affected parts for awhile. Then, scrub with a Magic Eraser or nylon bristled brush. Be prepared for it all not to come of, though. Some of that looks like the acidity of the oxidized Ferrous Iron deposits from the Brake dust rusting on them--causing discolored etching... But it's going to be interesting to find out if/how you get those rims looking nice again...

 

what is the magic eraser and the white lightning....i have never heard of them?

 

http://carbrite.com/servlet/net.ebiz.../E011J&lb=none very strong stuff

 

you could also get some wheel acid it will take it for just by spraying it on and hoesing it off. just cant leave the acid on long

 

Magic Eraser: Made by Mr. Clean...in house cleaning and auto sections of WalMart, etc.

White Lightning...very much like Simple Green, but I've only seen it at Lowes or Home Depot...

 

white lightning is a VERY strong acid. It will clean any wheel, but I would never use it on aftermarket wheels as i believe the finish is not as strong as ugly factory wheels.

 

What have you tried thusfar?

 

i have tried to use meguairs all wheel cleaner and a bunch of scrubing....about 10 mins per wheel at least....the megs. cleaner did a good job of cleaning most of the brake dust off.....i have simple green which i might try and am going to pick up on of the magic eraser things.

 

A word of caution here. Those factory wheels are clear coated for protection. Without the clear coat, your polished and / or machined surfaces would have oxidized almost immediately. That said, it's pretty tough stuff, but the wrong cleaning method can take the clear coat off or compromise it - opening you up to some really ugly stuff.

What I think you're seeing is some brake dust that has etched itself right into the clear coat. I'd be very wary of the Magic Eraser. Oh yea, it erases, but it can be very damaging to painted surfaces. If you us it, go lightly. What I would recommend is a cleaner wax - like Meg's - applied carefully. Yes, it's somewhat abrasive - which you need - but it's pretty hard to go through clear coat with it. I know it's probably too late for you, but the best way to avoid this problem is regular cleaning. Good luck and tell us how it works out.

 

i just am upset that he let it get that far....he isnt "car crazy" like me.....i glad i saved it from him this soon....i dont think he has waxed it since.......2001-2002ish?

he thinks i am crazy for wanting to wash my truck every week

 

I'd avoid the MrC ME...

A little bit of dwell time with 2:1 Simple Green would be my next try... if that doesn't cut it, straight up SG or 1:1 would be my next go.

Keep in mind, sometimes it's impossible to remove the problems.