Hi, looking for some tips on removing well bonded contaminants from some alloys i bought for my old Mondeo that i'm trying to prep for sale.

I bought the alloys from a scrap yard and the wheels have clearly been hanging around for a while outside, they are Mk3 Zetec 9 spoke Mondeo alloys, standard on the 'Zetec' model.... if that matters.

Basically between the spokes there is a thick coating of what i assume is tar which i simply can't remove and the wheels look awful, as i'm trying to prep the car for sale i need help. I've recently bought some AS Tardis as i thought it may help but the product simply runs off the wheel too quickly for it to dwell and work as it should.

I'm not too fussed if the finish on the alloys is slightly ruined as anything will look better than they do now. Also my GF, who has been using the car for has already attempted to clean the wheels with an old scourer thinking she was being helpful.

Any help is welcomed.

Rub it with a microfibre cloth. If the tardis doesn't shift it then it isn't tar. You might need some Meg's wheel brightner or similar or failing that it will be a job for some Iron Cut as it may be iron filings embedded in the paint.

Thanks I was reading up on iron cut earlier, I've been using bilberry wheel cleaner for a few months and even undiluted that doesn't touch it, so I'm not sure wheel brightener would do much, if it's not too dark when I get home from work tomorrow I'll try some tardis on a microfibre again.

I've got to admit I assumed it was tar but didn't consider it being anything else. I'll take a closer look tomorrow.

It's a job I've been putting off for a couple of months already but as the car hasn't been used since I got the octavia I need to sort it so I can sell the thing.

Edited 17 October, 201015 yr by Jon.etheridge

Another option is get your elbow grease out and a clay bar

Be warned though if you buy Iron Cut, don't sniff it, it is the most disgusting smell ever

Blimey, got any photos of these? I'd agree, if Tardis can't shift it then you have a problem!

How about give some Green Gunk a go ?

If the substance has a heavy petrol-chemical base should work.

The green gunk is best, as can be washed off with water, safe to rubber, safe to environment

Might be compounds from the brake pads embedded in the paint, in which case I'd suggest claying. Can't help but notice you have an ex-police vRS...perhaps it's been driven a bit more, um, 'spiritedly', meaning more intense use of brakes and therefore more contaminants? Just a thought.

Yep, possible. Depending on usage, it could be that the brake dust has embedded itself in the top coat of the alloy's finish.

Get some pics up and we'll take a look :yes:

Steve

My Octy alloys are ok, the exhaust however has clearly never been cleaned but i'll deal with that another day, lol

Its the alloys on my Mondeo that are nasty looking, i'll get some pictures this evening, serves me right for buying cheap alloys off eBay without inspecting them first.

If worst comes to worst i'll happily wet sand them and touch them up with a spray can, the cars is by no means a minter, it's been mine and the previous owners work horse and is sporting a few scars on the body work. I would just like to tidy it up the best i can for sale.

I think i have some Clay in the shed so i'll give that a try too before purchasing any more products.

Thanks for everyones input so far.

Edited 20 October, 201015 yr by Jon.etheridge

Ah I see, let us know how you get on, good luck

Right, i've had a look at the alloys again today and whatever this stuff is on the wheels it is a thick coating of it.

I tried the most abrasive polish on it that i had handy at the time (Megs Scratch X) the cloth did go brown but the stain is still there.

Here's a piccy, any ideas what it may be?

WOW..............

Your going to need to put some serious time and effort into those wheels mate, I can also see on the inside they are in a similar state............ :yes:

That is yeas of build up of grime and tar if you ask me, hard work and elbow grease will be needed to remove all that..........

Blimey, got to say I don't envy you having to sort that out!

I would say Meg's wheel brightner is needed on them!

Anyone sworn yet?........ "Wonder Wheels" ???? Chemical of last resort maybe

As a former Autoglym trade salesperson & having had a fair bit of experience with valeting since I was knee high (my old man sold AG for 27 years!) that (pictured), IMHO is a build up of brakedust that has never been cleaned properly. It may also be a mixture of metal filings-especially if they came from a scrapper. Tar will be there too, but usually moves easily with a proper tar remover, or petrol!

To get rid of (or most of) the brakedust & or filings, use an acid based wheel cleaner such as AG Clean Wheels, or if you know someone in the trade, AG Wheel Cleaner, which is way stronger, but only available to the trade. (You might get it by request thru' a motor factor.) Make sure the wheels are cool & not in direct sunlight-don't let this stuff dry on. Spray it on & leave for as long as possible-you should see it start to turn yellow/green & run. Next, a power washer is ideal to rinse off the crud-bring 'em down to the local jet wash if necessary. A stiff brush is optional, but may scratch. Repeated applications may be necessary-a bigger bottle is a wise buy!(Note-I am not an AG sales person any longer!!!)

Oh-gloves are defo recommended, as are goggles-this stuff is powerful & damn good, but get it in a cut or your eyes & you'll still be swearing next summer!!! Once the brake dust is sorted, remove tar as stated, with tar remover or petrol (again gloves etc...)

By the way, petrol can work OK on paintwork, but it & most other tar removers will also strip all wax & polish off-be sure to repolish after tar removal, always! Petrol can also attack soft or fresh paint & some plastics-not recommended really.

Good luck!

Blimey; looks like more than just brake dust and road deposits that!

Might be the only time I'd use Wonder Wheels

I'd clean them down with a degreaser, then apply an acid-based wheel cleaner probably.

Whichever way you do it, those are going to need some work

Best of luck,

Steve

Lol, thanks for everyones input.

I wish i'd kept the steelies and wheel trims.

I've recruited my mate for the weekend and we're (weather permitting) gonna get this sorted, I want the car sold now as the MOT and TAX are being wasted with it just sat there and i don't want the battery ruined with lack of use and the cold weather.

I think i agree the contaminant is a mixture of brake dust, tar and metal, it almost feels the same consistancy as rust.

I think wonder wheels and Wheel brightener will be my tools of choice, and a good polish afterwards. Also needs a new wheel brace as the tyre fitter has decided to overtighten the wheel nuts and the standard Ford brace has rounded off due to the soft metal used.