Alloys

[euan]

was washing the car at the weekend and the alloys are a bit of a mess (OK, I'll put my hands up and say I'd not washed the car in a couple of weeks. But only if you read couple as 8 weeks....)

Anyway, one of the alloys has a black mark on it, what am I best doing to take it off? I was going to use the AutoGlym alloy cleaner I have but it was starting to rain so I had to stop.

Also, tips for getting into those hard to reach places on alloys?

I have these on my car
http://www.bmw.co.uk/apm/content/images/bmw_info/29753l00704L.jpg
which are a nightmare to get into the middle of the spokes. They are too narrow (just) to get my fingers into.

[Wul]

Hey euan - the best alloy cleaner i know is sonax - which is available from Vauxhall dealers - i'm currently using Muc-Off MTB cleaner which works relally well too - just be carefull with any cleaners not to leave them on too long.

the black mark sound like a tar spot - if the alloy cleaners doesn't work try a wee spot of scratch x if you got some - or a wee touch of white spirit.

As for getting between the spokes - try a paint brush after you've sprayed the cleaner on to agitate the dust off - a wee tip though - wrap the metal bit of the brush in tape first to prevent scratching the alloy.

once they are all clean and dry - a coat of wax will help make them easier to clean for the next wee while.

:)

[euan]

Cheers Wul, will try that.

I usually do the wax thing but haven't yet on this car, will need to soon!

As an aside, how much is the Sonax stuff?

[Big Gordy]

I think Halfrauds do a neat brush thingy for cleaning your alloys (well I think thats where I got it :I) It's the 'spaniels spuds' for getting into those thin opening I can tell you;) :p:D:approve:

[euan]

Ah, nice - you mean a bit like
http://www.halfords.com/opdImages/00007528.jpg
?

Will be popping down there to get me one of these! Cheers Big G!

[Wul]

That's the thingy - but be careful you don't lose the rubber bit on the end exposing the nasty scratchy wire!! :eek:

[euan]

I'll be sure to be careful with the rubber nipple ;)

[craigcooperSworks]

I used to use Wonder Wheels which was really good- and you get a free brush with it, Bargain!!

[Big Gordy]

Close but not quite the same as mine;) I don't need to worry about the nipple as I don't have one :eek::D ON THE BRUSH YOU MUCKY LOT:evil:;) The one I have is shaped like a very narrow 'U' with both ends moulded into the handle :p:D:approve:

[Scottie]

this is the brush I use no sharp edges or tips:cool: use them on my classic Alpina wheels on the 1-er
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/scottiecoop/00008040.jpg

[euan]

quote:Originally posted by ScottieCoop

this is the brush I use no sharp edges or tips:cool: use them on my classic Alpina wheels on the 1-er
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/scottiecoop/00008040.jpg


That looks quite good, how narrow will it go as I need it to get in between the spokes?

[Scottie]

the alpina classic wheel has many spokes and narrow at the hub it works fine on them.

[Wul]

Euan - nip along to your nearest halfrauds - they have a wide range including the ones posted above and a deluxe version of the red handled one above. I personally think the U-shaped one will be too thick to fit in the gap on your wheels - but time will tell.......:p:)

The sonax stuff isn't too expensive - it's probably £4-5 a bottle (500ml I think).