I have searched here for wheel cleaners and have even tried a couple, but I am looking for specific recommendations on what to use on the back side of these style 5s I just picked up. I have tried simple green, multiple times, with a brush, Hot Wheels all wheel cleaner and I still have what you see in the pics on two wheels. Do you think Maguire’s wheel brightener would take care of this, or should I just get the scouring pad out and keep scrubbing? Or maybe just sand it down and re-paint?

Looking for recommendations before going out and buying a bunch of cleaners that may or may not work, so give me your best!

Thanks!

Paul

Wheel brightener works great. Not that you don't need to work it in, but it is amazing! Wear gloves. I do 4:1. I'd recommend keeping that stuff off the front side.

BE WARNED! If there is any bare aluminum (such as a polished lip without clear) it WILL tarnish the metal! Wheel Brightener is a truly fantastic product that just makes everything literally melt away. If the lip is polished bare aluminum, I would recommend either P21 wheel cleaner Gel or Meguiar's Multi-Pieace wheel cleaner.

BE WARNED! If there is any bare aluminum (such as a polished lip without clear) it WILL tarnish the metal! Wheel Brightener is a truly fantastic product that just makes everything literally melt away. If the lip is polished bare aluminum, I would recommend either P21 wheel cleaner Gel or Meguiar's Multi-Pieace wheel cleaner.

I was wondering about that. The lips are clear coated, but there are a couple of spots where it has flaked. I am also not sure it the nuts on the back side of the wheels would be clear coated or not, I lean towards not. I guess now is the time to look into the cost of refinishing them as I do not have the time, it would be a fun project though.

Time to go scrub some more. Thanks for the suggestions! :buttrock

The back of the wheel should be unfinished aluminum. If you're using something strong on the back side, just don't let it get on or drip on the front and dry.

I would use very fine steel wool on the back sides. The type used in furniture refinshing. Dip it in detergent, and you will be surprised how easily the stuff will come off. Now, don't use a Brillo Pad, don't use a coarse grade of wool, don't be overly agressive.

I was wondering about that. The lips are clear coated, but there are a couple of spots where it has flaked. I am also not sure it the nuts on the back side of the wheels would be clear coated or not, I lean towards not. I guess now is the time to look into the cost of refinishing them as I do not have the time, it would be a fun project though.

Time to go scrub some more. Thanks for the suggestions! :buttrock

Remove clear with stripper foam spray found in PEP BOYS. One they crinkle, remove with spatula. Wash with hose, wet sand with fine sandpaper, then buff with wheel polish.

I have Style 5 18's, and the lip is so damn shiny. So what if you need to clean them more often if shine beauty is what you look for. So no more worries of clearcoat flaking spots...see my pics