Cleaning & polishing non-anodized rims?

Tsiklonaut

Tsiklonaut

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Well, the front 21" non-anodized Akront (the older R80/100GS version before BMW went to the proper anodized Behrs- on R1100/1150GS) rim has all the crap sucked into it's surface, it's gone so far that can't remove it with common bike washing methods anymore even if I really try with a high pressure washer. What do you reckon is the best way to make it look normal again, any specialised polish chemistry recommendation?

I'm starting to regret I didn't separately anodize the rim before I built my 21" front wheel :blast since my rear anodized Behr rim is like a breeze in comparison - it needs no special care to clean it, it just cleans by itself in comparison!
 
Depending on how bad they are I suspect a strip and rebuild is the only way... they would have to be repolished (and I'd suggest get them bright anodised). Somebody here may be able to suggest a product to clean them but knowing aluminium they are likely to be 'tattooed' with the crud, effectively anodised with it!

The only other possibility perhaps is you sit there with a flexi polishing motor and polish them, slowly!
 
to clean the rim i would use this stuff
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171212125409?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
dilute to @50/50,apply with a hand sprayer then give it a really good scrubb with a stiff brush,keep applying/scrubbing dont let it dry out.
jet wash or steam clean off.then polish the alloy.this stuff at 50/50 is really strong and you will need gloves .
warning do NOT let it contact anodised finishes as it will wreck it.
 
mikeyboy said:
to clean the rim i would use this stuff
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171212125409?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
dilute to @50/50,apply with a hand sprayer then give it a really good scrubb with a stiff brush,keep applying/scrubbing dont let it dry out.
jet wash or steam clean off.then polish the alloy.this stuff at 50/50 is really strong and you will need gloves .
warning do NOT let it contact anodised finishes as it will wreck it.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you've used this? Does it leave a matt finish after using? Just thinking as it must etch the surface to do any dirt removal?
 
Wonder wheels worked for my old 1100 rims.
 
Slipperyeel said:
Sounds like you've used this? Does it leave a matt finish after using? Just thinking as it must etch the surface to do any dirt removal?
Click to expand...
it wiil dull alloy surfaces, it will also ruin anodised finishes,however it sounds to me that the finish on the OP ,s wheel is pretty bad anyway.used in a strong mix this stuff will remove pretty much anything from baked on brake dust to dried up petrol laquer,diluted to the manufactures directions it fantastic for cleaning powder coated casings etc(car wheels)but as previosly stated care is needed when using it.
it is a lot like traffic film remover but a lot more aggressive
 
mikeyboy said:
it wiil dull alloy surfaces, it will also ruin anodised finishes,however it sounds to me that the finish on the OP ,s wheel is pretty bad anyway.used in a strong mix this stuff will remove pretty much anything from baked on brake dust to dried up petrol laquer,diluted to the manufactures directions it fantastic for cleaning powder coated casings etc(car wheels)but as previosly stated care is needed when using it.
it is a lot like traffic film remover but a lot more aggressive
Click to expand...

Sounds like a definite place to start. For a small outlay it should be possible to see if a totally disassembly and rebuild is needed (or not!).
 
My '94 1100's rims are both un-anodised Akront. I've given up trying to get them really shiny and have settled on an even, slightly matt finish which I can maintain by just washing with sdoc or similar and a stiff brush with an occasion going over with solvol and a toothbrush when I'm feeling especially dedicated (very rarely!).
 
Cheers guys! I reckon I'll try to find something similar, not sure if this stuff is available in Estonia, but maybe I'll find some analog.

In any case, a strip + anodise & rebuild sounds like a good plan for the more hassle-free future...
 
MattW said:
My '94 1100's rims are both un-anodised Akront. I've given up trying to get them really shiny and have settled on an even, slightly matt finish which I can maintain by just washing with sdoc or similar and a stiff brush with an occasion going over with solvol and a toothbrush when I'm feeling especially dedicated (very rarely!).
Click to expand...

Ditto :-)
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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