Cleaning Rough Anodized Wheels

[steven0401]

Was there a thread a few months back about how to clean rough anodized (RSR finish) Fuchs? Any recommendations? Harvey W. did a perfect finish on my wheels and I am trying to figure out how best to clean them.

[creator8]

Now this is one I want to hear the answer to.

My understanding is a stiff brush and warm mild soapy water. But I have a set of Harvey's wheels that have stains in the shiney polished lip that will not come out no matter what I've used.

[pu911rsr]

I am having a set done, what does Harvey reccomend.
Phil

[kenikh]

Don't laugh, but Lemon Pledge and elbow grease are the only things that get my Weidman Fuchs looking brand new.

[B D]

For anodized rims Vaseline does the trick supposedly after a good wash.

[kenikh]

Vaseline, in my experience, is for protection, not cleaning. It is great at capturing grime before it embeds itself in the wheel, but doesn't clean them. It is what I rub my wheels down with after the Pledge treatment.

[steven0401]

Just spoke with Harvey. He recommends car washing soap + water, again and again. He said to be especially careful about the bright anodized rims as many more caustic products will stain the rim. Keep plenty of water on the rims while cleaning. Some have used alcohol, very carrefully and locally applied, again avoiding the rim. For difficult wheels, progressively stronger soaps - up to Tide - can be used. Rough anodizing is pretty tough, again it is the rims that are fragile.

[rst73]

I have used Simple Green for years for cleaning my wheels and it works GREAT! And you don't have to do any heavy scrubbing! It takes off brake dust in a snap! The trick is a cool or cold wheel, spray real good with water first! Then spray on Simple Green, scrub with soft bursh, and then rinse off right away with cold water and your done! I've never used anything after that and people ask me all the time if I have new wheels and they have been on the car almost 4 years.
Hope this helps.
All the best!
Roger Grago
R Gruppe #27
Early 911S Registry member since 1999

[steven0401]

Roger - Are your wheels rough anodized w/ polished lips? (sounds like Angelina Jolie)

[rst73]

I have both rough and regular clear anodized wheels. Just a little more scrubbing is needed on the rough finished wheels. Try it and I think you'll be very happy with the results. Just make sure you get the wheels very very wet before spraying on the Simple Green and rinse off right away after scrubbing.
All the best!
Roger