NB8A Rim issues - Rims cant be cleaned + busted centre cap

[li21]

Hi all,

Not sure if anyone else has this issue.. Ive got a set of NB8A 15" rims.. The smooth / matte silver ones with sparly bits in it.

I've given them a thorough clean but I've noticed theres like a milky (light yellow) layer on random parts the rims. (all 4 have this)
If I run water over it, it goes away and looks perfect.. when the rim dries it comes back!
Ive tried everything to get rid of it

- bug and tar remover
- terps
- Spirits
- wheel cleaner
- metal polish
- baking soda..

nothing seems to get rid of it.. is this something thats common with NB8A rims or am I alone?

Secondly .. i've snapped 3 of 4 of the legs on the back of the centre cap which holds the cap in place.. bloody fragile things these are! I'm pretty sure gluing the bits back on arent going to work.
Whats the best way of getting a cap to stay on short of buying a new centre cap?

thanks.

[Mr Morlock]

I am not sure about the legs as my car is different. The discolouration sounds like the paint is deteriorating and to restore the wheels I suggest that you will need to sand them down with wet and dry and repaint. It might even be worth a try to purchase a sheet or two of micro wet and dry and rub them down carefully and re polish- you might be lucky.Even a fine wire wool available at your paint place can be quite good. There are a number of posts on repainting rims but use good quality products - do not buy the cheapest paint as you will not get the best results. See what others have to say.

[Hammer]

What Mr Morlock said.

Do a search for Green_Comet's thread on how to restore wheels. It sounds like your wheels are ready to be restored. No idea how to fix the broken clips on the centre cap though.

Good luck.

[bruce]

Sounds like the factory clearcoat is coming off. Get some quotes from wheel repair guys to repaint them - shouldn't be too dear and would look brand new.

[philz]

I'm pretty sure its the clear coat as well.

Strip the wheels with paint stipper, that will take off the clear coat.

Then buy some clear coat, and spray on again.

[Okibi]

... I suggest that you will need to sand them down with wet and dry and repaint...

Please don't do this! You'll have lots of dramas trying to match the same finish once you smooth it with sand paper. AFAIK they're not painted just clear coated alloy.

I think Phil is on the money but if in doubt as a wheel expert.

You can respray the plastic centre caps as they will yellow with age. There's a Subaru silver that's a good match, I can try and find out the exact name tomorrow.

[bruce]

The wheels would be painted a silver, then cleared. Matching the silver is a specialist job.