Hey guys I need advice on how I can get my alloy rims to look like they just came out of the dealership. I have always been cleaning them and making them sparkly shiny but for some reason I noticed a lot of brake dust "baked" into the front alloy rims. It feels gritty and not smooth so that's the best way I can put it. Now I heard that a claybar will be able to get the dust off the rims but claybars cost a lot so I wanted to ask you camry owners if there was a less expensive alternative to doing this. Thanks.

ttt

tricky one this cos it depends on the severity.

the dust can eat its way right into the alloy if ya not careful and then cause some major damage by corroding the metal.

but if its touching the surface or has only baked into the paint then you could try wet flatting it using some wet and dry paper (about p1000) that should get the grit out but then youll either have to do some serious buffing and polishing or have the rims resprayed.

if its a specialist finish ie chrome then dont bother! if its plain silver it should work,, but it will be a ball ache if the design is complex

a good going at it with T-Cut would probably bring a lot of it off (it's what my dad's always used on baked on brake dust). make sure you wax them afterwards, though.

Failing that, ive heard wonderwheels is pretty good. infact, thinking about it, it might be a good idea to take it to a hot jet wash, put the wonder wheels on for a minute before washing it, then blast it with the hot jet wash. should come up really well then.

yeah dont forget the wax to help stop it happening again.

turtle wax do a good un, it comes in a small shoe polish style tin

find it down down ya local halfys

I hear nothing but good things about Wonderwheels, give it a try m8

I think I might do shortly

I've found a 'sepcialist' wax for alloy wheels as well, just gonna put some research into it before recommending it to everyone though!

thanks guys for all your responses. I will try that wonderwheels but can I get it at Kragen's? That's the only auto parts store in my area.

QUOTE (jaxx @ Aug 21 2003, 01:41 PM)

yeah dont forget the wax to help stop it happening again. turtle wax do a good un, it comes in a small shoe polish style tin find it down down ya local halfys

Yeah but it costs loads, I use a thin smearing of VASELINE each time I wash the car which aint very often so it must work!

tricks of the trade eh!

nice one!

QUOTE (jaxx @ Aug 27 2003, 09:00 AM)

tricks of the trade eh! nice one!

I'm full of em mate, heres another - Confuscious he say "If you buy expensive metal dustcaps for car, be plepared to see rocal kids with them on BMX ress than 48 hours rater" little b ds or if your going to throw a thick shake out your passenger window, make sure the windows open and Jimma's not in the p seat first!! (you can cringe now Stuey G).

i hate the little scrotes when they pinch ya caps!

i even tried to thwart them by using the ones that clamp on with a grub screw.

but the tricky f ers come round with an allen key, undo the grubby, an liberate em anyway!

so now ive got flush fit valves! steep at 45 quid for the lot but worth it style and safety wise.

mind u theyll probably try an nick the entire wheel instead

ill be there with me length of 2 by 4 with a rusty nail waiting behind the hedge!!!

oooh glad to get that off me chest

QUOTE (jaxx @ Aug 27 2003, 10:35 AM)

i hate the little scrotes when they pinch ya caps! i even tried to thwart them by using the ones that clamp on with a grub screw. but the tricky f ers come round with an allen key, undo the grubby, an liberate em anyway! so now ive got flush fit valves! steep at 45 quid for the lot but worth it style and safety wise. mind u theyll probably try an nick the entire wheel instead ill be there with me length of 2 by 4 with a rusty nail waiting behind the hedge!!! oooh glad to get that off me chest

I just don't buy em anymore!

probably actually the best option i spose

but i gotta say the flush fits look well sleeker an smarter than a great bit of plastic stuck out the rim!

like i say thats the style advantage

i dont buy em anymore, they always get pinched.

and about the wheels..

when youve cleaned em spray some of that silicone dash spray on them. keeps em clean. and the dust just wipes off.