Cleaning aluminum wheels.

[terrible one]

Hey guys. I finally got some slot mags. The fronts are very clean, but dull and need polishing. However, the back side is very bad on them. I know that it's the inside and all, but I want to clean these up real nice. I was wondering what the best way would be to clean these up? This stuff has torn up an SOS pad so far. Anyone have any chemicals or scrubbing items to recommend?

[bill440rt]

Egads... 
Judging by that picture, I don't think a cleaning will remove the damage in the photo. The aluminum looks very pitted & oxidized. Oxidation to aluminum is the equivalent to rust on steel.
The only suggestion & can give you is maybe have the backside of the wheel bead blasted, then give it a sanding with fine sandpaper. You then can start polishing to bring back a shine. The pits may still be there, but at least it will be easier to clean.

[terrible one]

Thanks.

Yes, I know that it is oxidized and there will be pitting left, but I was wondering if there was an easy way to remove the corrosion so that I could start cleaning and polishing. I can't blast them. Would something like kerosene be okay to use to help me out?

[bill440rt]

Hmmm, I'm not sure if something like kerosene would remove corrosion. It may stop corrosion, since it's oil based, but I don't think it would remove the existing corrosion. That's deep into the aluminum.
You might be able to find a local machine shop in your area to bead blast just the backsides.
Other than that, get some red Scotch Brite pads or some 220 grit sandpaper to start out with.
Good Luck!

[terrible one]

Thanks man, I really appreciate the help. I'll try some of that and see how it goes.

[tan top]

   that looks like its going to take a some time,  personally i think you would be better of having them blasted ,  then you could do another job on you charger wile you are waiting for the wheels.  just an idea

[terrible one]

I don't disagree with the idea of blasting them at all. It's just the money. I'd rather put in my own time than pay for someone elses.

[tan top]

can't  disagree with you there (terrible one]  , i think the same . its just time factor i was thinking .   what about try some  POR 15  metal ready  stuff  and green scotch brite or small wire brush.

[terrible one]

Yeah, I'm going to go get some stuff in a while and try.

With some pressure and scrubbing, an SOS pad will take the black stuff off. I think once I get all of that and the rust off I will be much better off and can clean them up with the scotch brite pad and then polish them.

[Silver R/T]

http://www.s10forum.com/how_to_polish_aluminum_wheels

[471_Magnum]

Spin them on the axle.

I cleaned-up an old set of ARE wheels by jacking up the rear of my wife's 2WD Explorer, bolting on the wheels, dropping the truck in L1, and spinning them.

Started with coarse croakus cloth and progressed to 800 grit sand paper and then steel wool.

Burned a lot of fuel, but I really got them looking nice.

If you can get yours mounted backward, you could probably do the same.

Needless to say, support the vehicle securely on jackstands. Don't do anything stupid like performing this operation in a closed garage.

Those are REAL rough though. Bead blasting may be the way to start.

[bill440rt]

Spin them on the axle.

I cleaned-up an old set of ARE wheels by jacking up the rear of my wife's 2WD Explorer, bolting on the wheels, dropping the truck in L1, and spinning them.

I dunno, man. That sounds like a good way to lose a finger. Personally, I'd stick to bead blasting, & a polishing wheel at the end of a drill. And I'd still have enough fingers left to count to 10. 

[41husk]

I purchased the mothers power Ball, all I can say is definetly not wirth the money in my opinion!

[471_Magnum]

Spin them on the axle.

I cleaned-up an old set of ARE wheels by jacking up the rear of my wife's 2WD Explorer, bolting on the wheels, dropping the truck in L1, and spinning them.

I dunno, man. That sounds like a good way to lose a finger. Personally, I'd stick to bead blasting, & a polishing wheel at the end of a drill. And I'd still have enough fingers left to count to 10.

You do it at very low speed. Like I said... be careful... don't do anything stupid.

I've also heard of guys mounting wheels on brake drum lathes and doing the same thing..

[bill440rt]

I purchased the mothers power Ball, all I can say is definetly not wirth the money in my opinion!

Yup, it sucks. However, the Mother's polish works VERY well! I bought the mini power ball, even that was no good.

[41husk]

I bought a regular and a mini and luckily never opened the big one.  I will be returning that!!!

[terrible one]

Since I don't want to pay anyone to blast them, I won't. The faces are fine, and the corrosion on the inner lips has cleaned up very well. There are little pits, but this is on the inside and won't be as bad once they are cleaned and polished up.

I have been working with SOS pads and a small wire brush and have made loads of progress. It takes lots of time and elbow grease, but I'm getting there.

I was planning on purchasing the Mothers Power Ball and some Mothers Mag Polish. What's wrong with the Power Ball? I've heard good things about it. What's the alternative? Just polishing by hand?

Here's how they are looking so far:

[Brock Samson]

those are bad, but your making progress,..
Folks laugh when i tell em mine took five hours each to shine up...
cause they ain't tried to do one themselves...

[Chryco Psycho]

go find an alum welder , there is a Chemical for cleanign alum , it is very strong but is needed to weld it properly , it will strip it in minutes