Ok.... first off... I'm not really sure how to search this question successfully so if its a repeat, just shoot me.

I had to get a replacement rim for a bent one that lost in a battle against a pot hole. Once I got it I noticed how drastically different the new one looks compared to the old.

I'll get pics tomorrow in the light but basically the year old lips look spotted (lots of little spots) and it makes it look dirty. I've tried Nevr-Dull chome/metal polish and it doesn't seem to make a difference. I live in the north east where driving conditions are basically **** but I dont drive during the winter (salt/chemicals and crap).

Has anyone else encountered this and do you have any other suggestions/products to try?

(other then move to where is sunny and warm 365 day of the year )

 

before anyone burns me at the stake, I just searched "spot" and came up with people discussing water spots... someone says:

"To get rid of the water spots, wash them with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. That will dissolve the mineral deposits left behind and won't harm the wheel finish (or your paint either)."

is this safe? any other suggestions if what I'm looking at is in fact water spots (I do in fact have hard water at my house)

 

I used hydrofluoric acid on my rims. It will take off just about anything.


Seriously, I highly doubt the 50/50 vinegar mix will mess up your rims. I'd try that first before moving to more aggressive cleaning suggestions.

 

thanks...will do.


.... and hydrofluoric acid is so last year... sulfuric acid is where its at

 

Does the refinished rim have a clearcoat on it or is it just bare metal?

 

its a Ruff Racing 278... I feels like bare metal but I may be mistaken... but I'm pretty sure its not clear coated.

 

what do you clean your wheels with? if you use improper wheel cleaners on bare aluminum it will spot the rims...

 

sounds like your wash technique is poor

 

yes, I'm assuming it is.... and my kung-fu is weak as well

Beyond me probably getting hard water on my rims, and not drying it off properly among other things... Has it been discussed that some products that claim to be safe for chrome/aluminum etc wheels may actually not be good at all?

my bad for not doing the research earlier.