repair anodised wheel stains

[RealRS#406]

I recall a thread detailing various ways to diminish stains on anodised wheels.
Can anyone point me at this thread, as I have just bought a car with
what seem to be solvent stains in the anodising.

[andyjboy]

The first thing I would try is rubbing Vaseline (petroleum jelly) into them using a soft cloth.

[Sacto S]

When I picked up my 4.5s from H. Weidman I asked this same question. He told me to use rubbing alcohol. He suggested allowing the rim to sit in the sun and, if I am recalling correctly, to apply multiple applications of rubbing alcohol until the stain lifts to the surface. Maybe the sun warms the surface to soften the stain while promoting evaporation of the alcohol?

If all else fails, go to the source. Ask Weidman.

[BOYER73S]

Aircraft alloy polish from one of your mates at Qantas

[NV Stig]

I have to go with Clyde on that one. We use it on the bright work on our aircraft as well. It polished the aluminum on our leading edges. It takes off the hard water spots, bugs hitting it at 300 knots, and gets the dullness out of it as well. Zep makes it.

[Nordschleife]

I've had good results with Wicks Aircraft supply for all sorts of things, from Magnesium etching/prep to pull cables, etc. Aircraft and race cars have much in common...

Here's a link to their cleaning/polishing supplies. No personal affliation, etc., etc.

http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalog...069/index.html

They don't have the Zep product mentioned above. But it looks like there's an Aircraft supplier in Lakeland, Florida that does have Zep products:

http://www.aeromech-inc.com/CATALOGC...NDCLEANERS.htm

Good luck!

Best REgards,
Andy

[Harvey Weidman]

David,
I agree with Andy.
I start a little slower.
Put some Armorall on a cloth and rub the spokes gently and evenly. Wipe dry while still wet. If the color changes you are good. Then try Vaseline the same way. If the color does not change after Vaseline, try alcohol with a swab. If they still are visible then they are permanently stained. Be sure that the wheels are clean and cool before using anything on them. Same for maintenance, except maybe adding a careful coat of wax to help prevent staining. Careful to get it only on the anodize and not the paint. Hope this helps.
Aluminum polish (ie abrasive) should't be used on anodize. The anodize finish is very thin and doesn't respond like bare aluminum.
Harvey