Tire Oxidation Question & Some Ugly Rust Pics

[steveo_m]

My Problem / Question:Aluminum wheels from a 2006 Suzuki Aerio, stored in a tin shed in plastic bags over the winter. I pulled them out and discovered some horrible oxidation / mold white spots all over them.

So far the only way I was able to remove them was to use a scouring pad on a detail sander with Mother's Aluminum & Mag polish with flour thrown in to add a little extra bite. I expect I am removing the clear coat entirely. I've only done one spoke so far. I was planning on sealing with "Liquid Glass" polish / sealant. Do you think this is a good approach? Should I spray on a new coat of clear after sanding?



Here are some pics; on the first one you can see the one spoke that I've already done.










Thanks in advance!
-Steve.

[steveo_m]

After light sanding of the wheel to remove the spots, should I spray with a clear coat product, or can I just apply a sealant like liquid glass?

[Setec Astronomy]

Darn, those looked like they were in good shape before....did they have road salt on them when they were stored? It's a little hard to tell from the pics, but that looks like it's aluminum corrosion, which creates a white aluminum salt on the surface. What you'll find if you can clean that off is a pitted surface underneath.

Rather than sanding, I would try an acid wheel cleaner first, to see if that will remove the aluminum salts, and whether you can live with the appearance. You'll need to rinse really well since the corroded spots will be somewhat porous. I doubt you will get back to a really good appearance without stripping the whole wheel and repainting.

[jbone]

wow the first spoke came out really well if it looked anything like the others.