Blemished wheels

[jcurryii]

2017 1500 Laramie
Didn’t notice until after going through a car wash that used a tire spray on it that there are spots I originally thought was brake dust that I can’t remove.
Other than replacing the wheels that I am considering is there any product that could possibly help.
I have tried several wheel cleaners including Meguiars Ultimate as well as household cleaners such as Barkeepers Friend and CLR

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

Just about the only thing you can do at that point is sand and paint.

 

[Treburkulosis]

Medallion is your best bet. I’ve seen it take acid rain off of chrome from the 1930s on a Rolls that looked like it had no chance. It’s by far the best stuff out there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YI0BVBU?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[jcurryii]

Just about the only thing you can do at that point is sand and paint.

I think I would rather buy new wheels something like this

 

[jcurryii]

 

[Treburkulosis]

It is your money. That doesn’t mean running it through another car wash is going to do the exact same thing to those wheels as well. I would wash your truck myself if you decide to get new wheels just my .02

 

[jcurryii]

Usually do

 

[zrock]

I use chemical guys now and have found it to be the best. Have you tried some elbow grease and chrome polish? Im betting alot of that would come out with some chrome/metal polish and a afternoon of work. I have saved way worse than that

 

[jcurryii]

I use chemical guys now and have found it to be the best. Have you tried some elbow grease and chrome polish? Im betting alot of that would come out with some chrome/metal polish and an afternoon of work. I have saved way worse than that

I have tried several products but Chemical Guy’s might be worth trying I do like their products

 

[chopperman1]

That's the clear coat all broken down on the plastic wheel skins. It won't clean up. Get new skins.

 

[Treburkulosis]

That's the clear coat all broken down on the plastic wheel skins. It won't clean up. Get new skins.

I hate the clads. They look good until they don’t.

 

[jcurryii]

I have tried several products but Chemical Guy’s might be worth trying I do like their products

Just ordered their heavy metal polish. Will see

That's the clear coat all broken down on the plastic wheel skins. It won't clean up. Get new skins.

supposed to be alloy wheels.
How do you replace the skins?

 

[chopperman1]

Just ordered their heavy metal polish. Will see

supposed to be alloy wheels.
How do you replace the skins?

The wheel itself is alloy, but it uses a chrome plated plastic wheel skin over it, also called a chrome cladded wheel. There are tons of youtube videos on how to remove them. eBay and Amazon are a great source for replacement covers.

 

[Treburkulosis]

The wheel itself is alloy, but it uses a chrome plated plastic wheel skin over it, also called a chrome cladded wheel. There are tons of youtube videos on how to remove them. eBay and Amazon are a great source for replacement covers.

They are a PITA too. I removed a set off of my old 12 ram. OP let us know how the CG stuff does.

 

[jcurryii]

The wheel itself is alloy, but it uses a chrome plated plastic wheel skin over it, also called a chrome cladded wheel. There are tons of youtube videos on how to remove them. eBay and Amazon are a great source for replacement covers.

Thanks, will check this out.

I hate the clads. They look good until they don’t.

That's the clear coat all broken down on the plastic wheel skins. It won't clean up. Get new skins.

Check out what you said looks simple enough to change the skins and all the replacements look the same and just snap on once you get the wheels clean, but the price varies from about $50-$250 each.
Wonder if anyone has experience using the cheaper ones.
Don’t think I would pay $250 when I can buy new American Racing Cragar style chrome spoke wheels for about $350.
Only concern is the wheel is 1” wider which may not be a problem if I wait till I replace the tires.

 

[Treburkulosis]

Thanks, will check this out.


Check out what you said looks simple enough to change the skins and all the replacements look the same and just snap on once you get the wheels clean, but the price varies from about $50-$250 each.
Wonder if anyone has experience using the cheaper ones.
Don’t think I would pay $250 when I can buy new American Racing Cragar style chrome spoke wheels for about $350.
Only concern is the wheel is 1” wider which may not be a problem if I wait till I replace the tires.

The problem I saw was find ones to fit the 20s. I ended up removing them spending about 4 hours on each wheel cleaning them up. I then just sprayed them black.

 

[Trashy2121]

Have you tried to hand polish a spot to see if that works?

 

[Marshall]

Check out wrecker yards, No idea what they charge, But could be cheaper then screwing around with shinny plastic
I have some chrome winter wheels they are 17in with hi profile ice tires that are about the same height as the factor 20's Look OK, I don't have a picture handy and its cols and dark now.
I think they where around 200.oo each Quite a bit cheaper them running 20" in the winter

If you where in salt area, I would say that could be it ,or potash is also a ruster on the roads.

 

[Tominator223]

If it’s dirty or stained. Everclear yes the alcohol. Then a good chrome polish. If it’s plastic everclear might melt it.

 

[Ironhead3]

2017 1500 Laramie
Didn’t notice until after going through a car wash that used a tire spray on it that there are spots I originally thought was brake dust that I can’t remove.
Other than replacing the wheels that I am considering is there any product that could possibly help.
I have tried several wheel cleaners including Meguiars Ultimate as well as household cleaners such as Barkeepers Friend and CLRView attachment 557529

I just seen this picture and your problem, and maybe you have found a solution by now. From what I can see in the picture, it looks like this is a "surface only" issue, and by that I mean it doesn't look like it has damaged the actual chrome plating, although it may have marked the clearcoat, if these wheels have clearcoat on them.
You mentioned you have already tried a good quality chrome polish, and if it didn't make any difference, the next thing I would try is "real" wheel acid, NOT the products that are available at auto parts chain stores (or at least not the stores where I live in Canada). I buy it it at a Canada wide heavy truck parts store - Parts For Trucks - but it should be available at any heavy (tractor trailer) truck parts stores, or even the OEM dealers, like Western Star, Peterbilt, International, etc. carry it here in New Brunswick, Canada.
It is usually called aluminum brightener, and used for fuel tanks, wheels, trailers, etc. It is very, very strong (like it takes your breath away, and burns your skin if you get it on you) when full strength, and you have to be careful when you use it, even when diluted as it can do some pretty severe damage if not used correctly. You will have to experiment with it as far as dilution rate goes, but it works really good.
The most important thing I find when using acid is to make sure the wheel is cool or cold, and not in direct sunlight, as acid will dry very quick. In fact if you apply it after you have driven the truck and the wheels are hot when you spray the acid on them, it will almost evaporate and bake on the surface. To cure this problem, hose the wheels off with cold water until the feel cool or even cold to the touch. This gives the product time to work before it starts to dry, and DO NOT LET ACID DRY on any surface before washing it off.
Although best to have the wheel cool to apply it, I find a hot pressure washer is the best for removing the stains after the product has had time to work.
As I said, you will have to experiment with dilution, but in the 46 years I have been cleaning and detailing vehicles, this acid is an excellent product for many problems regarding vehicles. If you have a good detail shop nearby, they should have this product and should have lots of experience in using it, and using it correctly.
Good luck