Fuchs anodizing rubbing off

initial · 07-16-2008, 10:27 AM

Please help with my dilema.

I purchased some used 7x16's for the front of my 89. I had them mounted yesterday. They looked great until I decided to shine them up! The anodize seems to have been rubbing off. I'm getting a mixed polished and anodized look. Not a good look in my opinion. The lips of the 8x16's in the rear are perfect...

I'd really prefer to keep the anodized look, but I don't want to spend a fortune on a wheel restoration... Is this why alot of folks end up with polished fuchs lips? Would I be foolish to polish my perfect 8x16 to match the current deteriorating anodize look in the front? Or should I just run with dirty front fuchs (which sort of match the rears!)

gtc · gtc's Garage

Are you using a polish such as Mothers on them? That will hurt the anodizing.
I periodically wax mine, after a very thorough cleaning. That seems to keep brake dust from sticking, while not affecting the appearance of the finish much.
I'm not into the Vaseline treatment.

oneblueyedog · oneblueyedog's Garage

+1 waxing.

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtc

Are you using a polish such as Mothers on them? That will hurt the anodizing.
I periodically wax mine, after a very thorough cleaning. That seems to keep brake dust from sticking, while not affecting the appearance of the finish much.
I'm not into the Vaseline treatment.

gtc: what is your process (waxes?)?

Best,

Doyle

Dixie · Dixie's Garage

Porsche recommends using Vasoline.

burgermeister · burgermeister's Garage

+1 Vaseline, though I must admit the 3 times a year I actually wash the car (I'm more of a driving type, less of a wash & wax type) I will wipe them down with a rag & WD-40 ... seems to work OK and is quite quick. Vaseline would probably be better.

tcar · 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by initial

Please help with my dilema.

I purchased some used 7x16's for the front of my 89. I had them mounted yesterday. They looked great until I decided to shine them up! The anodize seems to have been rubbing off. I'm getting a mixed polished and anodized look. Not a good look in my opinion. The lips of the 8x16's in the rear are perfect...

I'd really prefer to keep the anodized look, but I don't want to spend a fortune on a wheel restoration... Is this why alot of folks end up with polished fuchs lips? Would I be foolish to polish my perfect 8x16 to match the current deteriorating anodize look in the front? Or should I just run with dirty front fuchs (which sort of match the rears!)

Got pics?
You can always paint them, pretty inexpensive if you do it yourself.
Rust-oleum 7777 Satin Black is a perfect match, but you'll want to probably do all the wheels. Maybe.

Do a search about anodizing. It can be removed w/ oven cleaner and 'some' polishes, I think, but no real reason to do that.

New anodizing will cost.

This thread has already taken a left turn, but,

Hopefully someone else will answer your question, and help with how to fix YOUR wheels.

The Curator · 07-16-2008, 06:04 PM

Vasoline is a mess to use and has a lot of organic components so it does little to stop corrosion. Even mold will grow in Vasoline if kept out of sunlight...

A good synthetic wax like Meguiar's NXT Tech wax will do a much better job... It is liquid, comes in a spray bottle and does not leave messy white residue. It is inexpensive if you can find the spray bottle alone, it can cost twice as much when it is in the fancy box.

For cleaning I use Ballistol and Artisan metal polish (from POR makers). Much better than standard commercial stuff. (more info on request).

Once cleaned apply the wax and buff lightly. The trick is not to use cleaners after the initial application. After driving, clean and remove dirt/dust with the spray wax and a clean cotton rag. It builds up wax coatings and it becomes easier and easier to remove dirt/dust over time.

911pcars · 07-16-2008, 10:14 PM

An anodized finish shouldn't "come off" that easily. It's part of the surface material, maybe 0.001" thick. The polished surface that's appearing after rubbing leads me to believe the wheels weren't anodized - maybe painted to appear anodized.

Sherwood

KFC911 · 07-17-2008, 04:42 AM

Just the outer 1/2" lip of my otherwise perfect Fuchs had curb/tire monkey rash, so I decided to sand off just that portion (they look great now). I'm with Sherwood on this one, imo there is no way that the anodization simply wears off, that is one TOUGH finish! I'm embarrased to admit how many hours of sanding (small electric sander, then by hand, then polish) and how many beers it took just to get the lips polished on all four wheels

Wil Ferch · 07-18-2008, 02:12 PM

Again...Rustoleum Satin black is 7777...not 9999 ......

Seems I come across this a number of times in posts.....

Great stuff by the way... works for window trim, Fuchs centers, trunk areas....

tcar · 07-18-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wil Ferch

Again...Rustoleum Satin black is 7777...not 9999 ......

Seems I come across this a number of times in posts.....

Great stuff by the way... works for window trim, Fuchs centers, trunk areas....

Thanks, I keep posting the wrong number - mental glitch.

I've used it for all the above. Good stuff.

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

I have seen a Scotch-Brite used for a very interesting interesting.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

I have to esplain dis to all my wives....doan use da Comet and the Scotch Brite on the brass and the Fuchs....soft wipes on de brass and vaseline on de Fuchs....

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

It was not to polish them, it was to give a brushed Aluminum finish. The wheels came off and were given a full treatment. I believe they were then clear-coated.