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Ok, I have an older car with some shiny fake wheels (you know the $20 wheel covers made to look like rims :) )
anyway, they have some greenish lime looking stuff on them from sitting in the garage for a year or 2 and I can`t seem to get them cleaned up. There is also a greyish residue on them. Any product that will help without ruining the finish of the covers?
I"ve tried some basic cleaners and a scrub brush, but it only did a little bit better.
I really do not think that there is much you can do. the chrome look is just thinly painted on and the grayish residue is probably the actual plastic showing through. I would try simple green or a decent apc, otherwise I think thats about it.
Eric
I figured as much, although I`m not really sure what all the green stuff is. Heck, a new set is probably cheaper than a good cleaner :-p
That green stuff is more likely the copper* under the chrome oxidizing and leaving a stain (it looks like the color of an old penny I`m guessing). For the time and effort to re-polish them, you`re probably right about getting a new set. You might try some window cleaner and some #0000 steel wool though which will in many cases will clean it.
*To plate plastic or aluminum, a thin electrostatic coat of copper is used for the chrome to bond.
You`re exactly right. I`ll try the cleaner first, and we`ll see. I`d rather have rims :), but worst case its 20 for another set.Quote:
Originally posted by Padma
I figured as much, although I`m not really sure what all the green stuff is. Heck, a new set is probably cheaper than a good cleaner :-p
Thanks.
There are spray cans of low sheen aluminum spray paint...not the shiny metal look....it`s a very good match to what comes on wheel covers...take them off..lay on some newspaper and 3 -4 light...LIGHT coats and they`ll look good as new. I believe Krylon makes it.