Pesky wheel grime won't come off

CMadison · 08-23-2013, 12:21 PM

I can't figure out what the hell is on my wheels. It looks like brake dust but won't come off. It's almost like it's under the clear-coat. I have attached a close-up of it if anyone has any suggestions. I have tried soap/water, glass cleaner, brake dust remover and it doesn't help at all. HELP PLZ...

CMadison · 08-23-2013, 12:23 PM

Here's the pic...

Cmike2780 · 08-23-2013, 12:38 PM

Try Sonax Full Effect. Of that doesn't fix it, then something stained through the clear coat.

DEpointfive0 · 08-23-2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMadison

Here's the pic...

My friend... You're SOL...
I believe what you've got is a situation where the wheels were hot and wheel cleaner was applied. And it either ruins the clear or ruins the paint.

Your options are to repaint, powder coat, or have a curb rash specialist see if he can airbrush your wheels and blend it in more.

Repaint/PC $300-500
Airbrush $100-200 (IF they'll even do it, and it probably won't be as durable as new paint or PC)

DEpointfive0 · 08-23-2013, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Try Sonax Full Effect. Of that doesn't fix it, then something stained through the clear coat.

If you're going to try another cleaner, try a solution of 1:10 Simple Green and Distilled water, just wait until your wheels are COLD, or ambient temp

YES the wheel people and the people selling wheel cleaning products will say that Simple Green's pH is high and will ruin the finish...
It's pH is 9.3-9.5, watered down 1:10 with water (assuming its 7.0pH) brings it down to 8.3pH~. If the finish can't take 8.3pH, you were fucked before you started.

122554 · 08-23-2013, 12:49 PM

[QUOTE=DEpointfive0;2458324]My friend... You're SOL...
I believe what you've got is a situation where the wheels were hot and wheel cleaner was applied. And it either ruins the clear or ruins the paint.

Your options are to repaint, powder coat, or have a curb rash specialist see if he can airbrush your wheels and blend it in more.

kenchan · 08-23-2013, 01:42 PM

if mild polish like ScratchX doesn't take it away, then yah... need new paint.

osbornsm · 08-23-2013, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMadison

I can't figure out what the hell is on my wheels. It looks like brake dust but won't come off. It's almost like it's under the clear-coat. I have attached a close-up of it if anyone has any suggestions. I have tried soap/water, glass cleaner, brake dust remover and it doesn't help at all. HELP PLZ...

Hey how about this for a solution... ?

fuct · 08-23-2013, 02:45 PM

quality wheel cleaner solution and clay. if that dont get it then the finish is messed up and you need professional wheel help.

venus · 08-23-2013, 05:02 PM

Looks to me like the finish is dust. You will never get that out. Seen that on some of my wheels - like the metal underneath is corroded. You could have them professionally refinished or paint them. Sorry.

1325 · 08-23-2013, 05:37 PM

Clay then try the least abrasive polish. Our wheels are painted, after all.

KcL@AOI · 08-24-2013, 11:24 PM

Try this product called iron x! Safe for wheels, but a bit pricey!

fuct · 08-26-2013, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcL@AOI

Try this product called iron x! Safe for wheels, but a bit pricey!

$20 aint too bad if it fixes the prob.

08-23-2013, 12:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
CMadison Base Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 226 Drives: '12 PW T/S 6MT Rep Power: 12	Pesky wheel grime won't come off I can't figure out what the hell is on my wheels. It looks like brake dust but won't come off. It's almost like it's under the clear-coat. I have attached a close-up of it if anyone has any suggestions. I have tried soap/water, glass cleaner, brake dust remover and it doesn't help at all. HELP PLZ...

08-23-2013, 12:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 29	Try Sonax Full Effect. Of that doesn't fix it, then something stained through the clear coat. __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

08-23-2013, 12:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
122554 Track Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: My own world Posts: 506 Drives: 2010 Nismo Rep Power: 14	[QUOTE=DEpointfive0;2458324]My friend... You're SOL... I believe what you've got is a situation where the wheels were hot and wheel cleaner was applied. And it either ruins the clear or ruins the paint. Your options are to repaint, powder coat, or have a curb rash specialist see if he can airbrush your wheels and blend it in more. __________________ I don't normally drink beer, but when I do....i drink a lot!

08-23-2013, 01:42 PM	#7 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	if mild polish like ScratchX doesn't take it away, then yah... need new paint. Cbtech likes this.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Adam's Wheel Woolie Premium Wheel Cleaning Tools	AdamsPolishes	Detailing / Washing / Waxing / Cosmetic Maintenance and Repair	0	06-13-2012 06:33 PM
Steering wheel controls and aftermarket wheel	Perf.Des	Exterior & Interior	11	03-03-2012 03:29 PM
[WTB] Oem sports wheel trade for after market wheel	azn_kiddd	Parts for sale (Private Classifieds)	6	11-23-2011 06:02 PM
wheel/steering wheel shake	dbayb	Wheels & Tires	12	10-22-2011 08:59 AM
Pesky Ricers.. Ohh how they hate my Z.	LuckyJinx	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	147	03-27-2011 01:01 AM

08-23-2013, 02:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 24	quality wheel cleaner solution and clay. if that dont get it then the finish is messed up and you need professional wheel help.

08-23-2013, 05:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
venus Base Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: usa Posts: 105 Drives: Datsun 240Z Rep Power: 12	Looks to me like the finish is dust. You will never get that out. Seen that on some of my wheels - like the metal underneath is corroded. You could have them professionally refinished or paint them. Sorry.

08-23-2013, 05:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
1325 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 287 Drives: 10 370Z BLK 6M Rep Power: 15	Clay then try the least abrasive polish. Our wheels are painted, after all.

08-24-2013, 11:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
KcL@AOI Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ATL (KENNESAW) Posts: 157 Drives: '10 370z Nismo #0071 Rep Power: 16	Try this product called iron x! Safe for wheels, but a bit pricey!