Cleaning rims (question, not solution) - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

MSD · 05-04-2003, 06:02 PM

I have a set of rims that need to be cleaned. I got the dirt off pretty well, but my real problem is the clearcoat. It's bubbling, flaking, and cloudy. I need a way to take the clearcoat off completely. The problem is that the centers of the rims are painted, and the clearcoat is around the edge. This prevents me from using spray-on chemicals. My uncle (who gave me the rims) suggested polishing compound, but it's not abrasive enough to take off the coating. I tried a razor blade, but it dulled and broke fairly quickly, and I'm concerned about taking off meatl along with the coating, not to mention fingers. The surface underneath is shiny and nicks or scratches would show up. What is the easiest way to take off the clearcoat without damaging the painted surface?

Side note: I'm broke, so I'm hoping for something cheap.

Ashton · 05-05-2003, 04:04 PM

Hmmmm, There are three ways I can think of that would work.... 1. mask off the painted area with duct tape and bead blast the clearcoat off then polish with a buffer..... 2. mask off then brush on paint remover, hose off then dry and hand polish..... 3. mask off then use fine grit emery cloth to sand clearcoat off then hand polish.

myMHz · 05-06-2003, 12:44 AM

This may sound stupid but have you tryed Coke? I use it to get the tar off the fenders of my car and it works like a dream and it's easy to clean up.

YELLOW450 · 05-06-2003, 12:34 PM

The company www.por15.com has a product made especially for taking the clearcoat off of aluminum wheels, not sure the price though.

Liquor Dealer · 05-07-2003, 09:15 AM

If coke doesn't work try full strength ammonia - let is set a while and rinse -

cJoe · 05-08-2003, 02:54 PM

Try one of those nylon abrasive wheels on your drill. I used it on the motor case of an '81 Suzuki GS450 and looks great. I then had a friend spray clear coat back on and the engine looks great even today.

05-04-2003, 06:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	Cleaning rims (question, not solution) I have a set of rims that need to be cleaned. I got the dirt off pretty well, but my real problem is the clearcoat. It's bubbling, flaking, and cloudy. I need a way to take the clearcoat off completely. The problem is that the centers of the rims are painted, and the clearcoat is around the edge. This prevents me from using spray-on chemicals. My uncle (who gave me the rims) suggested polishing compound, but it's not abrasive enough to take off the coating. I tried a razor blade, but it dulled and broke fairly quickly, and I'm concerned about taking off meatl along with the coating, not to mention fingers. The surface underneath is shiny and nicks or scratches would show up. What is the easiest way to take off the clearcoat without damaging the painted surface? Side note: I'm broke, so I'm hoping for something cheap.

05-06-2003, 12:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
myMHz Insane Location: Arizona	This may sound stupid but have you tryed Coke? I use it to get the tar off the fenders of my car and it works like a dream and it's easy to clean up. __________________ "The radio business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."

05-07-2003, 09:15 AM	#5 (permalink)
Liquor Dealer Super Agitator Location: Just SW of Nowhere!!! In the good old US of A	If coke doesn't work try full strength ammonia - let is set a while and rinse - __________________ Life isn't always a bowl of cherries, sometimes it's more like a jar of Jalapenos --- what you say or do today might burn your ass tomorrow!!!

05-08-2003, 02:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
cJoe Insane	Try one of those nylon abrasive wheels on your drill. I used it on the motor case of an '81 Suzuki GS450 and looks great. I then had a friend spray clear coat back on and the engine looks great even today. __________________ I've got plenty of common sense. I just choose to ignore it. ...Calvin

05-05-2003, 04:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ashton PORNHOUND Location: California	Hmmmm, There are three ways I can think of that would work.... 1. mask off the painted area with duct tape and bead blast the clearcoat off then polish with a buffer..... 2. mask off then brush on paint remover, hose off then dry and hand polish..... 3. mask off then use fine grit emery cloth to sand clearcoat off then hand polish.

05-06-2003, 12:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
YELLOW450 Tilted	The company www.por15.com has a product made especially for taking the clearcoat off of aluminum wheels, not sure the price though.