small amounts of rust/oxidation on rims, cant get off?!

[Z Lock]

I know the rims are dirty, its been raining off and on all the time around here, but I`ve gotta get my 81 Malibu ready for the Worcester Summer Nationals this weekend, gonna be detailing the thing Thursday afternoon. The biggest problem I`ve had in the past is the rims... they`re Centerline`s, not sure what they`re called but they`re out of production now as far as i know. Anyway, i`m pretty sure its just aluminum, dont think its chrome, but i`m no expert. Anyhow, I`ve got the Mothers aluminum polish, and I cant get the rust/oxidation to come off. Not even a little. What other things should I try?

[autoprincess]

Do you know if they have clear on them?

[Z Lock]

I`m almost positive that theres no clearcoat on them...

[mikebai1990]

I would probably try some clay bar on it first. Since there is no clearcoat, then you shouldn`t be afraid to sand the oxidation if the clay bar doesn`t help. I would probably first try clay, then simple green (or whatever cleaner) and scrub, and then sandpaper. Good luck!

[MrSelfDestruct]

I was thinking claybar too...



Did you buy the cheap Mother`s aluminum polish (in a jar)? I bought it before and it did NOTHING.



Mother`s PowerMetal on the other hand, works great. It`s the stuff they recommend using with the power ball, but you can just use cloths.

[Z Lock]

yeah, i got the cheap stuff in the white/red jar... lol

I actually tried the clay (quickly) the other day after doing the car.... took the old, dirty clay and tried really quickly on one of the wheels and it did nothing at all....

i`ll see what i can do tomorrow....