Help w/ rust

[lucky_topher]

I have some wheels that i just purchased.. they're painted (i.e. not polished/chrome) factory rims... with the factory clearcoat... but one has rust on it.. i'm not sure if the rust is through the clear, or just caked on top? what is the best thing to use to be safe w/ the rims? Wetsand w/ 2000 grit? light steel wool? CLR?

thanks :)

[stevews602]

Do you mean rust as in they are steel or from steel, or so you mean oxidation?
If you have rust stains from someplace on the rims you can clean them off with a little rubbing compound, if you have bubbling paint from corroded alum then you migth want to strip them and repaint.

[XTrooper]

This doesn't sound right, topher. Clearcoat and you know is paint, it doesn't rust. If you see rust, oxidation, or whatever, it's on the metal under the clearcoat which isn't a good sign. Here's what I'd do. I'd spray a little light oil on some fine steel wool and carefully try it on the discolored area. If you goes away, then just spray the area with clearcoat and you're done.

[lucky_topher]

i'm not sure of the specifics exactly... i just got them last nite and it was dark.. i sprayed it w/ water and used a towel and it didn't just wipe off.. i'll get some pix when i get home later and see what you think.. the outside face of the wheels are perfect and shiny as they should be

[jmd]

is it rust on the wheel lip where a wheel weight might have been? I too would suggest a light abrasive and a reclearing of that area may be needed :(

[Captain Obvious]

What hasn't been asked or mentioned - steel wheels or aluminum/alloy?

Aluminum wheels won't be rusting ;) That would lead to the source of the rust being elsewhere. As mentioned, wheel weights are a great source of this. If you'd be more specific as to type of wheel and location of the rust stain, it would help others provide insights.

[lucky_topher]

thanks for the ideas...

they are GM z06 gunmetal wheels...

apparently wherever these were stored, there was something rusting on it that leaked rust... it was caked on hard... with 2000 grit sandpaper and very light 'grit' steel wool.. i've gotten most of it off without messin up the clearcoat.... the corners/edges are tough... but i'm only two hours into it.. another two and she'll be perfect...

because of this, i got a steal of a deal on theM :D

[Captain Obvious]

Originally posted by lucky_topher
thanks for the ideas...

they are GM z06 gunmetal wheels...

apparently wherever these were stored, there was something rusting on it that leaked rust... it was caked on hard... with 2000 grit sandpaper and very light 'grit' steel wool.. i've gotten most of it off without messin up the clearcoat.... the corners/edges are tough... but i'm only two hours into it.. another two and she'll be perfect...

because of this, i got a steal of a deal on theM :D

Little polishing compound + elbow grease will help and be less harmful than steel wool. More work though.

[PC PaiN]

Glad to here everything is starting to come off topher :)

[Stew]

Post pics Topher!