30 years of brake dust on alloys....how get rid of?

[jimmyfal]

i have some spray stuff from bmw that does a good job on loose stuff, but on the really caked up parts it seems like its gonna take forever to get it off.

I"m toying with the idea of using a sandblaster, is that gonna pit it up or does anyone think I can get away with that?

I tried a wire brush attachement on a drill but that was too abrasive. I hate to think i gotta use some dremel thing thats gonna take me all day long...

thanks jf

[jerry]

elbow grease, my friend

best working stuff available. and a scotchbrite pad (though they contain carbide particles so exercise care). 000 steel wool is safer.

you could try sandblasting IF you yourself are at the controls and set pressure under 25psi otherwise you'll probably eat through the finish. no, you won't damage the underlying metal even at higher pressures.

[GetOuttaMyWay]

You could try getting a big tub and soaking each wheel in a solution of detergent (Simple Green would probably do well) for a while... that'll loosen the stuff up, then blast 'em with the hose. But chances are the finish is fubar'd under the caked on dust, in which case you may as well bead blast and re-spray.

[Victor_PR]

water blaster - like the ones the sell at Sears?

[K-Swiss]

(nt)

[stxmax]

I used Easy-off oven cleaner (spray) on my BBS basketweaves with great results. Better to wash it off early and re-apply once or twice. It can react with the aluminaum if left too long. A wire brush helps in the tight spots.

[stxmax]

I used Easy-off oven cleaner (spray) on my BBS basketweaves with great results. Better to wash it off early and re-apply once or twice. It can react with the aluminaum if left too long. A wire brush helps in the tight spots.

[bobthomas]

I like simple green & often use it,but- Use with great caution on Al alloys. I understand it corrodes Al.

[Brandon]

You're wasting time cleaning those..you'll never get them looking good..or you will, but after hours and hours and hours of labor...Sand and paint them....Use Wurth brand silver and Wurth clear coat available at Greenfield Imported Car Parts in Greenfield, MA...they ship too... Web - www.gicp.com I've done this on many of my wheels...quick, easy, and comes out looking brand new and the color is a match to the factory silver....