Baked on brake dust - removal tips...or refinishing suggestions needed

8

88RedLX

Club Member
Looking at some cast aluminum factory Ford wheels that are in structurally good shape (no damage, curb rash, etc.), but they have been poorly maintained and have brake dust that seems to be almost baked on. Any suggestions/tips on removal of the baked on brake dust? Will a polish of sorts work without destroying the original finish (it is the silver metallic finish)? Or is it easier just to have them professionally refinished or powdercoated? I'm not afraid to put in some work, but sometimes you gotta know when to say when.

If it comes down to getting them refinished, I know Weldcraft widens/narrows/repairs wheels, but I'd be looking for someone to do refinishing work and I'm not sure if that's their thing at all or not.

I searched in the Pub and General Tech Help and couldn't find anything.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
i saw a business on westside of woodward that has a sign in the window that says OEM WHEELS.i think it was south of beaumont hospital but its in that general area.they might refinish wheels.
 
i found a telephone number for oem wheels 248-556-9993.its just south of coolidge on west side of woodward in berkley.
 
Good luck. I've tried a few different wheel cleaners, Scotch Brite pads, and oven cleaner to get the caked on brake dust off my track wheels. I couldn't get all of it but I don't care too much as they're only used on the track. If you want them perfect, I think you're going to have to strip them and refinish. Hopefully one of the powdercoating guys here can answer whether or not they strip before they coat.
 
Muriatic acid mix it 50/50 with water get a scrub brush spray it on scrub a little bit , dont let it sit too long on the wheel . That should take it off alot easyer than just about anything on the market . If you need them refinished try sucher tire in Detroit 313-891-5640 ask for Roy they are usually about 100- 125 a wheel to refinish . Also detroit wheel and tire in troy 248-545-8862 ask for Mark or Steve
 
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In our detail shop we have a heavy duty acid they we will put on aluminum rims covered with brake dust. It works amazingly well but sometimes will damage a rim. But if you were going to have them powder coated shouldn't be a problem I don't think. The acid is from Sam Brown co. There located in Southfield. I could pm you a number if interested.
 
Try to find stuff called 'Assassin wheel cleaner'. It got off baked on brake dust off a pair of chrome Lincoln LS wheels that were chrome, and it didnt hurt the finish at all. The cleaner has been discontinued, but you can maybe find a replacement.
 
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