OK. I have figured out appears to be happening with my Alloy Rims is corrosion. The clear-coat seems to be chipping/cracking/about to peel.
See pics: (unless you think this is something else)...
http://gallery.me.com/enggass/100016

How would you all go about treating this? My dealer suggested a very fine steel wool to the affected areas, then using Mother's Aluminum Polish.

Any other ideas - greatly appreciated,
Steve

 

powdercoat!

 

I always dread the day this happens to my alloy wheels on any current car/truck I own. Using a good quality polish such as Mothers is indeed a good way to make them shine, assuming the clear coat has been completely removed, but be prepared to polish them once a month from that day forward! Buying one of those special polishing ***** that Mr. Foose advertises on TV works well too, as your hands and fingers turn black within seconds if you use the old fashioned cloth and elbow grease method.

If it were me (and I have paid to have this done), is have the rims re-clear coated by a professional. You really don't want to go through polishing those rims once a month to keep them glossy. A real pain.

Another option is to buy a set of chrome aftermarket rims.Good chrome will not require constant polishing, nor does it require a clear coat to stay shinny. Be aware of low priced chrome rims however: you get what you pay for. Cheap price means the chrome begins to pit and/or rust within a year.

 

The only problem with the aluminum polish is that the wheels look to be gray powder coat or paint and not aluminum. Once that clear coat is off, they will be nearly impossible to keep nice without constant maintenance. I had this happen on a 280ZX I owned years ago. You can try what the dealer told you but the clear will continue to come off now that the seal is broken.
I agree with previous post to powder coat them if you really like them and want to keep them.
Or, look for replacements on ebay. I've bought more that a half dozen sets of wheels on ebay and have always been pleased.
Good luck!