Stuff on Wheels

[dhillis]

I just bought a new to me 2003 Tahoe with 35000 miles on it. It is in immaculate condition except one small ping in the passenger door and something on the wheels. I have tried Nitro Blue which is a degreaser and chrome cleaner from walmart. This stuff kinda looks like scratches but I don't think thats what it is. It is kinda a white color so it's kinda hard to see in these pictures. I will try to get some that are better but this is what I have for now.

What is it and how do I get rid of it?

[bowhntrmatt]

I assume they are polished aluminum wheels. If this is right, I'd get some rubbing compound and a rag and spend some time. Maybe even one of those ball things that goes on a drill. There isn't anything that won't polish out of metal if you spend enough time on it.

I bet someone will have a better solution than this, but its all I could come up with.

[Chasin Elk]

Looks lik something got through the coating and is reacting with the aluminum. Is it on all 4 wheels?

You could prolly polish it out but you will be removing more of the coating and it will just come back over time.

[the-butcher]

coating looks gone wheels will never be same go aftermarket or buy used ones on craigs list or this site

[low_tec]

Looks like the coating is messed up, but try some of this stuff

[dhillis]

ill try and see what happens...thanks guys...

[black dallas]

looks like dog pee to me. almost impossible to remove

[DrenalinJunkie]

clear coat on the wheels is shot......... time for new ones.

[Geezy Rider]

Sounds like a good excuse to get some custom wheels.

[dhillis]

I wish.....wife just got a job...kinda discouraging actually....she is a certified teacher but took a job as a teachers aide so she could get insurance and we could have another baby....well once we pay for the insurance and child care for the one we have we can't afford the Dr visits to have another...middle class sucks....can't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford a baby....sheesh...

[Jakesfish]

most all chevy wheels are clear coated from factory. looks like someone acid washed em...

[timbobowhunter]

Probably not gonna be able to get that off........man thats low miles for a 2003.

[dhillis]

Probably not gonna be able to get that off........man thats low miles for a 2003.

that's y I bought it....some older lady had parked it in the garage when her husband died a few years ago.....only drove it once in a while to burn a little gas ...

[Texastaxi]

clear coat on the wheels is shot......... time for new ones.

Yep.

You think that they put an awesome polish on those wheels that never needs attention, UNTIL it starts peeling. You might be able to take them to a wheel restoration place and have them remove all the clear coat and re-polish them, but by the time the bill is done, you could by new aftermarket wheels.

IMO, if you decide to get aftermarket, get chrome. Aluminum wheels are a PITA to keep looking good.

[mikep453]

Call some salvage yards around your area. Those are some fairly common wheels. You might be able to find a good set of Chevrolet wheels for a decent price.