3-piece chrome wheel issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter ZainoDetail
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ZainoDetail

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Hey all,

I have a client that wants his chrome 3-piece rims re-polished. Normally I do not have issues with wheel polishing, but these wheels are in horrible shape..and I really have no clue what to use on them to get them back to 100% or better looking for the client.

Here is what they look like. Now they look like they are dirty..but they are not, they have been washed with Dawn dishwashing soap. The black/brown and spots are stained really really bad on to the rim. All 4 rims are like this.

Here is a picture of the rim.

http://www.zainomobiledetail.com/sandbox/wheel1.JPG

Now I got out my can of Mother Tuckers and worked for about 10 mins with a Terry cloth and this is all that I have been able to accomplish.

http://www.zainomobiledetail.com/sandbox/wheel2.JPG

As you can see, not much has happened, esp for 10 mins of hand polishing.

Anyone ever ran into a set of wheels this bad? If so what product did you use, and what methods did you find best worked.

Also do you recommend I take the 3-piece wheel apart to clean?

Thanks all,
 
ZainoDetail,

First thing that I would do is grab my dremel tool and a few polishing attachments. That should help your hand and get you a little more action with the polish.
 
GraniteState said:
I think I would try wheel acid on them see how that works.
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I have used wheel acid on aluminum, but not chrome. Will the acid hurt the chrome?
 
ZainoDetail said:


I have used wheel acid on aluminum, but not chrome. Will the acid hurt the chrome?
Click to expand...

I have used an acidic toilet bowl cleaner on a few EXTREME cases, but you have to be very careful. The acid WILL eat the chrome off the part if it's allowed to sit too long.
 
Don said:


I have used an acidic toilet bowl cleaner on a few EXTREME cases, but you have to be very careful. The acid WILL eat the chrome off the part if it's allowed to sit too long.
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yips...that’s what I was afraid of happing. I think my best bet is to break apart the 3-peice wheels and use my buffing machine and equipment.

What polish do you think is going to work the best/fastest? Mothers Polish or another?
 
If you already have some polish, try that. If it doesn't work then go looking. It might save you some time at least.
 
After looking at the pictures a few times I have a few comments..

Are you sure they are chrome ...not stainless

if they are for sure chrome...pass on this job...those wheels will not come back completely..chrome is only a plating and if the plating is history, then that's the answer. You might be able to get a little more shine out of them , but miracles don't happen when chrome is involved. With all those bolts, I would think the time and effort and cost that i would charge, would send the owner out for some new wheels.
 
The wheel acid would work great to get most of the crud off. Just make sure that you have running water at hand to wash right away.
I use a high speed buffer at 3200 RPM's with a cotton bob on the end. You have to get the polish hot to make the difference.
The polish that I have is Zepher it works like a charm.
 
Poorboy said:
After looking at the pictures a few times I have a few comments..

Are you sure they are chrome ...not stainless

if they are for sure chrome...pass on this job...those wheels will not come back completely..chrome is only a plating and if the plating is history, then that's the answer. You might be able to get a little more shine out of them , but miracles don't happen when chrome is involved. With all those bolts, I would think the time and effort and cost that i would charge, would send the owner out for some new wheels.
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I found the manufacture of the wheel on the net. Here is the scoop.

http://www.enkei.com/Luxury/phalenx.htm

I called up Enkei and talked to a guy. He said its not chrome, but an anodized coating, and to try a very light buffing compound. Said not to take apart the wheels, because the bolts used are one time use...and if I took em apart, you could not reuse the bolts.

Looks like I might have to pass up on this gig, I just hate too becuase its for a friend. I want to help him out best I can if you know what I mean.

Thanks!
 
Sometimes you just have to pass for the good of your friendship...
be honest and tell him it's just not worth the time and effort...
and with it being anodized...even more of a headache..I know my grill on my Caddy is too and I had to replace it...
 
Poorboy said:
Sometimes you just have to pass for the good of your friendship...
be honest and tell him it's just not worth the time and effort...
and with it being anodized...even more of a headache..I know my grill on my Caddy is too and I had to replace it...
Click to expand...

Yea I agree totally. Thanks!!
 
Tell your friend...

It would be well worth it to invest in a new set of wheels, and place him on detailing/maintanance program to ensure that the wheels are cleaned and polished on a regular basis. ;)

BTW ... I really like your website !!!
 
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