If you are going to paint them here is the thing to clean and etch the surface. Go to a welding supply company and get the aluminum welding etch. It will be an acid so use rubber gloves you can put this in a spray bottle spray lightly and follow with water rinse. This will etch the aluminum to sort of a white color which will prep the surface for paint.

 

can that be buffed out? or if i get it on spot im not painting im pretty much effed? any other prep? because that sounds too simple. ha ha

 

Have you tried a pressure washer. 3500psi. I don't know if it will work but it may be worth a try.

Ford Guy

 

thought about it, but then id have to borrow and get my dads pressure washer running, or rent one. kind of an involved process, especially sice im thinking about painting them.

 

Have you tried THIS product at all? I have had very good results. Read the destructions carefully.

If the rims are a lost cause, look around for a chromer, elctroplater, or rim refinisher. For a fraction of the cost of new, they will refinish the rims, perhaps even chrome plate (actually nickel plate) them. Some may even repaint, or powder coat them.

Good luck.

 

Yes I have seen big truck tanks and trailer panels buffed out after this is used.....but from th e pictures the occidation that appeared seemed hopeless.

 

ha ha, ok. Ill try a few more lower budget things, and a little more elbow grease. if that doesnt work, ill pursue the painting option. Ive been wanting to black out my truck i was going to wait until i get the trim painted black but i suppose i can do the wheels first.

 

i use purple power everytime i wash and then use Eagle One Never Dull on em.