Cleaning Wheel Covers

[Padma]

Ok, I have an older car with some shiny fake wheels (you know the $20 wheel covers made to look like rims )
anyway, they have some greenish lime looking stuff on them from sitting in the garage for a year or 2 and I can't seem to get them cleaned up. There is also a greyish residue on them. Any product that will help without ruining the finish of the covers?
I"ve tried some basic cleaners and a scrub brush, but it only did a little bit better.

 

[elortt]

I really do not think that there is much you can do. the chrome look is just thinly painted on and the grayish residue is probably the actual plastic showing through. I would try simple green or a decent apc, otherwise I think thats about it.

Eric

 

[Padma]

I figured as much, although I'm not really sure what all the green stuff is. Heck, a new set is probably cheaper than a good cleaner

 

[dr_detail]

That green stuff is more likely the copper* under the chrome oxidizing and leaving a stain (it looks like the color of an old penny I'm guessing). For the time and effort to re-polish them, you're probably right about getting a new set. You might try some window cleaner and some #0000 steel wool though which will in many cases will clean it.


*To plate plastic or aluminum, a thin electrostatic coat of copper is used for the chrome to bond.

 

[Padma]

I figured as much, although I'm not really sure what all the green stuff is. Heck, a new set is probably cheaper than a good cleaner

You're exactly right. I'll try the cleaner first, and we'll see. I'd rather have rims , but worst case its 20 for another set.

Thanks.

 

[unclearty]

There are spray cans of low sheen aluminum spray paint...not the shiny metal look....it's a very good match to what comes on wheel covers...take them off..lay on some newspaper and 3 -4 light...LIGHT coats and they'll look good as new. I believe Krylon makes it.