cleaning plastic wheel covers

[Milanoverde]

Has anyone had success cleaning their plastic wheel covers? I have an '80 DHC with the standard silver plastic wheel covers. They are grimy from 30 + years in the elements. I tried everything I could think of... household spray cleaners, Prep-sol, straight ammonia. Finally tried enamel reducer which was helping but then seemed to be taking off the finish (paint?).

Tony
Long Island, NY USA

[Workshop Help]

If I may politely suggest the obvious. If you have scrubbed the plastic to the best of your ability and it still won't come sparkling clean, please step & fetch a quart can of brush on rust-o-leum paint in the color best matching the plastic covers. I tend to prefer the aluminium color as it brightens the various aged/yellowed components on the car. Little things like the exhaust pipe and mufflers, the valve cover, the steel wheels, and anything else of that hue.

This afternoon I painted the air cleaner box with industrial grey using a foam brush, then baked it dry in the afternoon sun. It looks much better now. Like the old expression goes, a little paint hides a multitude of sins. Not to mention a can is waiting for you at the nearest Lowes or Home Depot store.

Mildred Hargis

[whitenviro]

I wouldn't use something as aggressive as enamel reducer. That will definitely take off the paint and might even dissolve the plastic. Mine cleaned up pretty well with some scrubbing and undiluted Simple Green. Expect to do some brushing because nothing will take off 30-year old grime without some elbow grease. If you decide you need to use a solvent try something less volatile, like Goo-Gone or mineral spirits.


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1980 Pageant Blue DHC with removable hardtop.

[FI Spyder]

Try some of the sprays for alloy wheels that take brake dust off. I use this for alloys and plastic rims.



If plastic paint is worn, lightly sand and/or wipe down with acetone or something that won't melt the plastic but take off any residual polish etc. If you can't find any wheel paint I would use caliper paint which is pretty tough if you can find a colour you want.





- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[silverseven]

It's all in the preparation !
First wash down the caps with some wheel cleaner, dry completely, then a good scuffing with a scotchbrite pad, many wash downs with silicone remover and prep , a light coating of flexible adhesion promoter and then a few coats of colour.





My 82 dhc wheel covers painted with 2 pack base/clear Ford Focus Silver CODE "TS"





my 78 coupe's plastic discs painted with Ford truck bumper paint




My Ford Focus rims "spray bombed" charcoal grey




Ron.