Alloy wheel polish

[moe]

The alloy wheels on our Bongo are in need of a good clean - lots of brake dust deposited on them so I'm guessing it's previous owner in Japan wasn't too keen on cleaning them! Am I ok to use Autosol on them to get rid of the brake dust deposits? Does anyone have any other ways that they have brought their alloys back to life without having them refurbed or buying a new set??

[mikeWalsall]

Alloy wheel cleaner from your local car shop .. or some brick / patio cleaner then well washed off

[Simon Jones]

Is it a painted / coated finish or bare alloy? Autosol may be a bit strong for any form of painted finish.

[mikeonb4c]

Is it a painted / coated finish or bare alloy? Autosol may be a bit strong for any form of painted finish.

Absolutely. Autosol is intended to brighten and polish bare metal, but very likely the alloys have a lacquer coat

[the1andonly]

How would you remove the laquer?
Its already falling off in places

Methelyne Chloride?
Di--Choromethane?
Paint stripper?
or any shop bought stuff?

Dishwasher powder solution cleans ally a treat (no more than 20 min for Norton Forks) watch whats happening all the time
wash off with serious amounts of water or diluted acetic acid (white vinegar)
try this at your peril and all other disclaimers possible.

[mikeonb4c]

I used paint stripper on mine, then wet and dry, then autosol, then degrease and spray with 2 pack lacquer. If keeping tyres best avoid paint stripper on them just to be safe.

[Mark.T]

If you remove all the lacquer you'll need to keep on top of cleaning. They will mark and stain much more easily. One polished and waxed, use a good bare metal sealant. I have some that I've found to be very good, but I've lent it to a friend and I can't remember what it's called!

[the.sasquatch]

I would suggest some bilberry wheel cleaner followed by a good polish with any light cut car polish then a once over with wax or a good wheel sealer If you use a good sealer a pressure wash will take the muck off in the future

[moe]

They are the original alloys so I guess lacquered. I'll try some alloy wheel cleaner first and if that doesn't work will go for plan B!

[Mark.T]

If they're not shiny, polished looking, then they're probably sprayed silver with lacquer on top.

[mikeonb4c]

If they're not shiny, polished looking, then they're probably sprayed silver with lacquer on top.

Good point, I'd forgotten to remember that likelihood!