Rim metal problems need help?

A

AutoNova

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My wheels have this on all four of them and I can not no matter what I try to get rid of it and re-new these rims? Do I need to just paint?
 

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Your wheels are cast aluminum protected by a clearcoat. That looks like clearcoat failure, possibly due to the use of harsh aluminum cleaners or even a mfr defect. It could also be some form of corrosion (I've seen that effect a lot on cars that get driven on winter roads covered in road salt).



Whatever it is, the best way to fix it is to have the wheels professionally repaired. If you want to tackle this yourself you will have to strip off the clearcoat and polish the wheels. I've heard some people restoring wheels in this condition using Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish. So I guess it all depends on how badly you want to fix these and to what lengths you're willing to go.



I'm sure others will chime in with more ideas. Good luck.
 
I used some Wenol cleaner and polish today on them and I think it made them worse? I have tried SG and AIO to no avail. They must have been etched at some point with a degreaser?



Tell me how I would strip them? If not is ther any option to paint them myself?
 
I don't want to mislead you or anyone about how to strip clearcoat from a wheel. I suggest you contact a company that specializes in wheel refinishing for more accurate info. There are several companies out there, a quick Google search will turn them up.
 
If you're set on doing it yourself, Busch Enterprises out of Charlotte NC (704 588-2067 is the last # I had) makes a product #64016, Clear Coat Remover, to strip the CC off a wheel.



You'll need to remove the wheels from the vehicle (and the tire off would be even better), paint the product on with a brush, let set, then hose off. Wear old clothes, eye protection, rubber gloves blah blah blah since it's harsh stuff.



Then repolish and recoat if desired.



Or, take bretfraz's suggestion and find a place to do it for you.
 
A good thing to use to strip clearcoat off of wheels is called Aircraft Remover" Pep boys used to carry it, not sure fi they do still or not, and my local automotive paint store carries it. Make sure you wear good rubber gloves, mask, and safety glasses as you should with any strong chemicals.
 
I had the same exact thing happen to the wheels on my car. I bought my car used and the wheels came that way (I would have never let it happen myself!) and I just decided it was better to find some used ones that were in better shape. I think the refinishing is a big hassle, but that certainly is an option too.



Bucky
 
Very common on Ford wheels, the clearcoat is thin. The wheels on my Explorer are the same way. I found you can hide it by applying a tire dressing like endurance to the wheel. However, when you wash them you'll have to re-apply.
 
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