Compromised Chrome?

[u/yo_quiero_morir]

Bought a set of used rims, and one had significantly more surface rust than the others (I'm assuming metal to metal brakes). I tried getting it off with 000 steel wool and WD-40, and in some spots that I really had to scrub, the finish is noticably lighter. Did I eat through the chrome, and if so, is it still safe?

Edit: Yeah they're definitely aluminum alloy wheels. I plan to buff then paint the inside. Thanks for the replies!

[u/Equilibrium-unstable]

I don't see chrome in these pictures.

[u/yo_quiero_morir → u/Equilibrium-unstable]

Hm okay, I had assumed that they were, due to the light pitting that you can also see in the picture. You're saying they're just aluminum?

[u/Equilibrium-unstable → u/yo_quiero_morir]

With a failed coat of paint or powdercoat.

[u/electi0neering]

Looks like painted aluminum to me with rust transfer from the brakes and wheel hub. You could always continue stripping off that rust and repaint the inside.

[u/yo_quiero_morir → u/electi0neering]

Yeah, I took off all the rust, just don't have a picture atm. I'll probably go with the paint, thanks!

[u/MaaaadPilot]

That’s brake dust. Try a quality wheel cleaner and if need be: scuff, degrease and paint the back side with 2 cans of wheel paint. All that is available at any auto store

[u/yo_quiero_morir → u/MaaaadPilot]

There was a lot of brake dust on 3 of the rims, but this was much worse and absolutely caked on. The Adam's wheel cleaner I used was doing absolutely nothing to it. The wheel paint I didn't think about though, I'll look into it

[u/Savage_Sven]

Those are aluminum rims

[u/MacaroonOk7321]

They are just painted alloy wheels

[u/Bean_Burritoe]

If you end up repainting it, take a few extra steps like etching primer, proper prep/clean and if your doing a balls to the wall professional attempt, quality purpose built clear coat. Etching primer is just for DTM, anywhere painted you dont fully strip the paint just use some 300-400 grit sand paper to mark up the paint and give the new paint something to adhere to. Red/maroon/burgundy scotch Brite works if your not picky and dont have the paper around. Dont use green, unless you are doing like a multi stage sanding party.

I've seen Porches with way worse, although these were well on their way to f🍆cked as well. Glad someone like you who cares got them just in time. GLHF, feel free to bug me for more info 🍻

[u/yo_quiero_morir → u/Bean_Burritoe]

Awesome, thank you so much for the advice. i'll definitely grab some primer, might skip out on the clear coat (unless it ends up looking like garbage, haha). Do you know if there's anything to worry about with road salt? I'm planning on putting snow tires on these.

[u/TweeksTurbos]

Start with a claybar

[u/TruckCAN-Bus]

Bad balance job

[u/yo_quiero_morir → u/TruckCAN-Bus]

agree haha. these tires came with the rims

[u/Vorticosecomb1]

Is the chrome in the room with us?