Stained/pitted chrome
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,085
Likes: 1
From: N. Falmouth MA
Stained/pitted chrome How do I fix this? it's from sitting over the winter. Not sure what caused it. I don't have money for new wheels and I don't have a garage for the car either.
I cleaned the wheels with some A2Z Wheel&Tire cleaner but it didn't do anything. Buddy said to try some distilled vinegar.
I cleaned the wheels with some A2Z Wheel&Tire cleaner but it didn't do anything. Buddy said to try some distilled vinegar.
Mother's Powerball and chrome polish will take care of that.
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...polishing.html
http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...polishing.html
Once you get the wheels cleaned up make sure you wax them, it'll stop it from happening again. Wheelwax is a great product for wheels with any type of finish. Not only does it stop them from rusting or oxidizing, it stops hot brake dust from clinging to the wheels.
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If that's what it looks like in the pictures, it's the early stages of rust. If that's the case starting looking to replace them, rechrome them, or powdercoat.
If it's just staining, try a course kitchen sponge and some CLR (calcium lime rust remover) for bathrooms and wax afterwards.
Chrome isn't something you can really "polish" like aluminum so much as just clean it and wax it for protection.
If it's just staining, try a course kitchen sponge and some CLR (calcium lime rust remover) for bathrooms and wax afterwards.
Chrome isn't something you can really "polish" like aluminum so much as just clean it and wax it for protection.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: West Chester, PA
Look for "Wadding polish." Should take care of most of that ****, simply just rub on the wadding polish and then wipe it off a few seconds later.
http://www.eagleone.com/nevr-dull-wadding-polish
http://www.eagleone.com/nevr-dull-wadding-polish
I have a can of that in the garage. I've yet to find anything it works well on honestly.
Doubt it will remove much damage but it should leave enough wax to help protect. It generally leaves a hazy waxy finish on whatever I've used it on which is part of why I don't like it.
Doubt it will remove much damage but it should leave enough wax to help protect. It generally leaves a hazy waxy finish on whatever I've used it on which is part of why I don't like it.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,085
Likes: 1
From: N. Falmouth MA
If that's what it looks like in the pictures, it's the early stages of rust. If that's the case starting looking to replace them, rechrome them, or powdercoat.
If it's just staining, try a course kitchen sponge and some CLR (calcium lime rust remover) for bathrooms and wax afterwards.
Chrome isn't something you can really "polish" like aluminum so much as just clean it and wax it for protection.
If it's just staining, try a course kitchen sponge and some CLR (calcium lime rust remover) for bathrooms and wax afterwards.
Chrome isn't something you can really "polish" like aluminum so much as just clean it and wax it for protection.
I may have to look into getting the centers and back lip powdercoated. Gonna try these suggestions soon. ... SOON... Maybe either during this week (Car sits at work... outside)Unless I can trade someone for a set of C5 ZO6 wheels..
If it's surface rust the powerball with chrome cleaner will remove it. If the rust is underneath the chrome there's nothing you can do to save the wheels. It's not staining so you'll need a chrome polish to attempt to clean them.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: West Chester, PA
I have a can of that in the garage. I've yet to find anything it works well on honestly.
Doubt it will remove much damage but it should leave enough wax to help protect. It generally leaves a hazy waxy finish on whatever I've used it on which is part of why I don't like it.
Doubt it will remove much damage but it should leave enough wax to help protect. It generally leaves a hazy waxy finish on whatever I've used it on which is part of why I don't like it.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,085
Likes: 1
From: N. Falmouth MA
If that's what it looks like in the pictures, it's the early stages of rust. If that's the case starting looking to replace them, rechrome them, or powdercoat.
If it's just staining, try a course kitchen sponge and some CLR (calcium lime rust remover) for bathrooms and wax afterwards.
.
If it's just staining, try a course kitchen sponge and some CLR (calcium lime rust remover) for bathrooms and wax afterwards.
.
But this is what I did:
CLR w a "Magic Eraser" (Still don't like these)
Chrome polish
Coat of Wax to help protect it.
Looks a LOT better!! Probably cleared up about 65% of it. Still should be either powder-coated or re-chromed to keep the moisture from getting under the chrome. Needs to be sealed. Not worth it for me. I put these in the classifieds for trade. Wish I could get some DD ZO6's. Can't find them wider than 9.5's.
I'll post pics in a bit.
Last edited by bayer-z28; Mar 31, 2013 at 04:27 PM.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
Likes: 236
From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
You got a very good result! Just polish them from time to time and they'll continue to look good without significant deterioration. I wouldn't get rid of them if I were you (but I'm not).
I've used Simichrome polish for years - a German product and it really works wonders. Surface rust is not a problem.
I've used Simichrome polish for years - a German product and it really works wonders. Surface rust is not a problem.