Bell1220 Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 I have all kinds of hubcaps I need to clean up. I'm not talking about with some polishing machine to make them perfect - I just want to make them as presentable as possible. What are some of the best ways/solutions to use to spruce up dull parts and/or bring the best shine out of shiney ones. Also - differing procedures for chrome, stainless, etc.. So far I've been using dish soap, water, and a paper towel. But, in some cases, they come out splotchy.Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 I have a mound of stainless steel caps that can be seen from "Google Earth" and my honey uses "Simple Green" on them to make them presentable for me to sell on ebay. She says, "Nothing works better". No blotches anywhere! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 OOOO steel wool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stock_steve Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 OOOO steel woolAlternate the 0000 steel wool with "Never-Dull," ref: Amazon.com: Eagle One 1035605 Nevr-Dull Wadding Polish: AutomotiveFinish up with soap & water--or even just paper towels & windex--then a nice protective coat of wax... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 if they are rare caps,do nothing,unless you know what you are doing.In a antique world.patinas great.list them first Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 If they are wire spoke wheel disks put them in your dishwasher. Does a wonderful job but don't get caught by the commander in chief. The penalties are even worse than using her vacuum to clean out your the oil burner on you furnace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Dobbin Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I know a guy here in Florida who has polished stainless steel for some of the nicest cars in the country. The other day he was cleaning up some old chrome parts with Florida sugar sand. (dirt) I was astounded, but he says it works great on chrome but not for stainless. It doesn't make a brilliant shine, but takes the rust and crud off. I may have to try it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GARY F Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 try bon-ami with water. does not scratch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bell1220 Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 I thought you were taking me for a ride with that one. But, checked it out on Google and found that ketchup is really supposed to work. Someone posted that they used tin foil with it - or the foil from inside cigarette packs to rub the ketchup into rusty caps with good success.Thanks for the information. This has gotten pretty interesting. I will be trying out all of these tips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I remember back in 64 my sister bought a new Olds F-85 Cutlass with wire wheel hub caps. After about six months of trying to keep them clean especially the spokes and behind the spokes she decided that she would pop them off and put them in the dishwasher using plenty of Cascade (no water spots) detergent. It worked great. The bad part about it was all the asbestos from the brake dust was going through the dishwasher. Something she didn't discover about brake lining until ten years later :eek:. These days would be alright as asbestos lining is forbidden.Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bell1220 Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 The bad part about it was all the asbestos from the brake dust was going through the dishwasher. Something she didn't discover about brake lining until ten years later :eek:. These days would be alright as asbestos lining is forbidden.DonWhat year did they stop using asbestos in the brake lining. I have some caps I'd like to throw in the dishwasher. But, I'm not about to take that chance!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Copper scrubbing pads and Pledge are excellent for cleaning rusty chrome, and they don't scratch. Finish with Simichrome or Flitz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Good question, I don't think they have any now. I do remember seeing some shoes and clutch disc in boxes with warning labels even in the early 90's. Not to worry though as kids we always played in the street... so where did that brake dust end up?? you guessed it... where we played catch, football, skate boarded. Then down the storm drain when it rained and out to the ocean where we surfed. We were a hardy bunch! DonFYI, If you do house renovation and your old appliances are to be replaced save them if you have space for them. Old washing machines for your oily rags and clothes. Old ovens for heating cylinder heads to install valve guides and seats, and baking ceramic coating paints. Dishwasher for cleaning wire wheels. refrigerator/freezer for storing beer/vodka and frozen valve guides to slip in effortlessly into those heads you had in the oven. Don't want to forget those old deep fryers with corn oil to help heat up gears and spacers for installing on a crankshaft--- I mean you can use a press, but this makes assembly a smooth as butter. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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