Raw alloy rims - best cleaner?

[froggy47]

I have some alum alloy rims that I stripped to bare metal & I like the look, a bit rough metal like real mag rims. The inside barrel I painted black.

These are race rims so they get dusted with harsh pad dust every time I race, so I clean them after each event.

Which rim cleaner would do the best job AND leave a little something on the surface to seal/condition/shine up the surface.

I realize that this would be a TEMPORARY finish and I'm ok with that beacuse the dirt/clean cycle will be happening each time.

I know there are some "sealers" out there that many will recommend, but I don't have time now to get into trying different sealers etc.

Just a quick & easy cleanup that I can do after I wash the car down.

TIA

[froggy47]

Nobody on this question?

Basically I wonder if I can use something very harsh, since it's bare metal anyway?

[sspeer]

Not sure about the initial grime. I've had some wheel cleaners haze the finish of my motorcycle's wheels..sometimes good ol car wash soap and a brush is the best

NXT metal polish is a very good product. should leave some protection on there as well

I'm not sure if paint sealants such as #20 or #21 would 'stick' to metal..but would love to know

[froggy47]

Thanks

[Murr1525]

Well, it seems like the All-Wheel cleaner is the safest for all surfaces.

And yes, you can use a sealer like #21 on wheels, and it works well.

Actualy, I am somewhat eagerly waiting to hear how the Metal Guard from the Marine line does on metal surfaces like wheels/exhaust where it can get hotter.

[froggy47]

Originally posted by Murr1525
Well, it seems like the All-Wheel cleaner is the safest for all surfaces.

And yes, you can use a sealer like #21 on wheels, and it works well.

Actualy, I am somewhat eagerly waiting to hear how the Metal Guard from the Marine line does on metal surfaces like wheels/exhaust where it can get hotter.

Thanks, keep in mind these rims were stripped down to bare metal using "Aircraft Remover" - really strong stuff found in most automotive supply stores. So it's not like I have to go "gentle" on the finish. OTOH if I clean after each race the brake pad dust is NOT baked on there really hard.

I'm mainly looking for something that will leave a little shine or gloss to the rims since they are not at all shiny (like chrome rims for example).

A sealer that stands up to heat would be good I suppose, the rims get pretty hot under heavy braking.