Help, ZQ8's dirty from long winter!

[DUSlider]

Ok, so my zq8's are filthy..... I can get the outside surface clean fine, but on the inside its ditry as hell, either from brake dust/grease and a combo of salt/dirt. I had been using some Simple Green cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes (the bottle says less than a minute) and using a brush to scrub away at the rims and I barely make a dent in the grime. Can anyone recommend something that will get this crap off?

Thx...

[DrPonziBrinkley]

Your brush sucks. Get a (green/yellow) scotch pad sponge from the grocery store. You need a tougher scrubber. Soap and water work fine, but go ahead and use the simple green; and if it says one minute, do it for one minute, geez.

But I'm in Southern California and remove the rims to clean the inside every three months.

[SteveI]

Your best bet would be to take the rims off the truck so you can clean the inside easier. Get some wheel cleaner that won't damage the finish and try that.

Steve

[DUSlider]

Steve1, any recomendations as far as a good wheel cleaner? You have the ZQ8's, what do you use? I'm currently using Simple Green Pro Series automotive cleaner/degreaser. I read on here others seemed to like using that stuff.

Thanks for the replies so far. I'll have to wait for a nice day out to take them off to clean. Supposed to rain through Friday....grrrr Wish I had a lift...

[2LW2TW]

I use the Simple Green Automotive as well. Stuff works pretty good and its non abrasive. I remember when I took my 2 year old Xtreme rims to sell them to put ZQ8's on my truck they were filthy. Sprayed some of that stuff on there and let it sit and it wiped right off. You do have to take the rim off the truck though or its virtually impossible to get it clean the right way.

[jmwxtreme43]

dont use a scotch pad! It will take your paint right off or scratch the hell outta it!

[SteveI]

Quote: Originally Posted by DUSlider

Steve1, any recomendations as far as a good wheel cleaner? You have the ZQ8's, what do you use? I'm currently using Simple Green Pro Series automotive cleaner/degreaser. I read on here others seemed to like using that stuff.

Thanks for the replies so far. I'll have to wait for a nice day out to take them off to clean. Supposed to rain through Friday....grrrr Wish I had a lift...

You know, to be totally honest, I've never had to use anything on my wheels other than soap and water. My truck has never really ever been very dirty! It pretty much sits in the garage all winter plus I take the stock ZQ8 wheels off and put on 15" wheels with snowtires anyway. I keep the wheels well waxed like the rest of the truck so any brake dust or whatever wipes off really easy.

I had a Lincoln a few years ago that had a mesh pattern BBS wheel that were a real b*tch to clean. I used wheel cleaner made by Armol-all (silver bottle) and it worked real well. At the time, that cleaner was rated the best. I personally don't use simple green on my vehicles unless I'm trying to clean off grease, oil or something. When used full strength it can be harsh on plastics and probably your wax.

Here's what I would do in your case. Take the wheels off the truck. Spray them down with a wheel cleaner and let them soak a few minutes. Spray them good with water and wash then real good with a sponge. Taking them to a carwash or using a pressure washer would probably help some. Once you get them clean, apply a few coats of a good wax (I use Zaino) and then put them back on the truck. If you keep them waxed and wash them often with the truck the buildup shouldn't get that bad again.

Steve