What to use to clean these neglected wheel lips?

[BuffMe]

I am thinking these are polished aluminum but want to make sure so I can apply the proper process. If they are polished aluminum, I was figuring to use some 3000 grit wet sanding to start off, then polish them up with some Mother's Billet or PowerMetal (not sure which one, though, or maybe both?).



Any recommendations?

 

[imported_never gone]

They don't look thaaat bad, just dirty. Clean with a little soap and water first so we can see what you're even dealing with.

 

[BuffMe]

I don't have these wheels yet. A customer sent this picture to me.

 

[imported_DieselMDX]

i would try a compound first but u r on the right track

 

[BuffMe]

Yea, I was figuring a wash, clay, polish to see where that gets me, wet sand if needed, polish back, then seal.

 

[Saintlysins]

I agree with “DesielMDX� ... why ‘start’ with the wet-sanding first? Start with the powerball and some mild cleaner/polish first. (After a thorough washing of course! :idea )

 

[pingable]

I would do a heavy citrus wash and then clay.

Follow up with Heavy Metal Polish (green bottle-medium cut) followed by (blue bottle-fine cut)



It doesn't look too oxidized to me though so blue bottle may do the trick as a 1st step.

 

[BuffMe]

I have a feeling it will need mild wet sanding regardless of whether the contaminants come off or not as they will probably leave some pitting. Just speculation, though. I'll report back once I actually see the wheels in person and figure out what will work best.

 

[LICamaro85]

I would use the powerball mini and use the new mothers polish that comes in the little white tub.



I had EXTREME oxidation and pitting on some polished wheels, they were so bad that they looked a satin silver and 20 min. a wheel with the powerball and they looked better then new.



Thanks,