Damage to alloys. Why did I let someone else touch my car? - GT-R Register - Official Nissan Skyline and GTR Owners Club forum

Rbentley · 14th September 2008, 11:52 AM

There are some mobile valet guys which come round the business park on Tuesdays. They are very good and I occasionally use them if I have been busy over the weekend. However, I understand that this week the usual guy is away and sent round different people to either cover or take over the route (it wasnt clear).

It's dark when I leave and during this week I noticed the alloys looking "funny" which I took to be as a result of my hours journey each way in the current weather putting muck and grim on them again.
I just went to clean them and the chromed outers are in a terrible state. I use Maguires metal polish, and christ knows what this guy used. I had at the time asked him to pay attention to the leather seats which were getting grubby. He said he couldnt as he didnt have the correct stuff and was loath to try.

Looks like he didnt have the proper stuff for a number of things.

:

Previous - nice mirror finish:

This is a number of shots AFTER I have tried to improve with my maguires.

Now:

The sun on this side really shows it up

SO...

Before I beat the crap out of the guy on Tuesday anyone got any view on what can be done.
Has the lacqueur been stripped. I'm hoping the worst case will be a trip to a refurb establishment - for which I will be charging the guy - plus compensation as I need my car for work.

Appreciate your help. Thanks all

spinner · 14th September 2008, 12:11 PM

sorry to hear this, really gets under my skin when 'professionals' can't use the right products!

had something similar on my nismo wheels. wheel cleaning fluid tends to be an acid of some description some more potent than others, some are similar to the stuff used to clean concrete.

they tend to do very bad things to lacquered and chrome wheels.

I had mine refurbished but not back to the original shiny finish which is difficult to replicate. mine are just matt silver now.

worth getting a professional opinion on whether your wheels are in a recoverable state or a reburb is the only way forward.

AntGTR · 14th September 2008, 12:23 PM

Ouch, not nice! I kurbed my Nismo's (teach me for not paying attention), but I took my tyres off and sent them to Rainbow polishing not far from me, they came back better than they ever were before, no marks or flat spots like before, he really did a good job, I didnt even need to strip the wheels.

MIKEGTR · 14th September 2008, 01:47 PM

Mine got ruined by valeters too, they sprayed TFR on my TE37's and made the bronze come off, again i only noticed later on in the day

matty32 · 14th September 2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKEGTR

Mine got ruined by valeters too, they sprayed TFR on my TE37's and made the bronze come off, again i only noticed later on in the day

ive the same wheels, and though they look bit grubby (where all the dust etc s) i dont let anyone else clean them for that reason

i got some stuff from alex, esp for TE37s you should use that

mr_maj · 14th September 2008, 02:45 PM

Looks like they have used acid to clean

Rbentley · 14th September 2008, 02:49 PM

Not sure how I will be able to prove the wheels were so good prior to Kermit getting his hands on them. If he lies I could be stuck with a big bill.
Serves me right for trying to save the usual 2 hours I take to clean my car each weekend.

r33 v-spec · 14th September 2008, 07:22 PM

Yep definitely looks like a sign of TFR, and a harsh one at that.

This is the main reason why I "only" use normal shampoo on my CE's, oh yeh, and wash them myself!

Alex Creasey · 14th September 2008, 07:38 PM

As others have said, a very strong TFR or a wheel acid (diluted hydrochroric acid normally) looks like it's been used.

Meg's metal polish is very light though so maybe try something with a bit more bite, even Autosol may be better. It may even be worth a go with some super fine 3000 wet & dry if a refurb is looking like the only option (not cheap or easy on split rims)......

Rbentley · 15th September 2008, 08:40 AM

Apparently the usual guy is on hols til Oct and his boss (!!!) is covering. Not sure what I can get out of a small company (unlikely they are insured) that cleans cars.
Gonna have to dip into my own pockets AGAIN due to other peoples incompetance.

Not happy.

On a seperate note I got a threat on Facebook from someone I dont know threatening to torch the car and kill me! So....not the best of weekends.
[I have reported the threat to Facebook and the police]

Rbentley · 16th September 2008, 09:04 AM

Got the Autosol last night but despite the pictures on the box cover it says it is not for mirror finish chrome.

Alex Creasey · 16th September 2008, 09:24 AM

Your wheels aren't chrome coated though, they are unlaquered polished Aluminium.

You wouldn't use a metal polish on a coating like Chrome much the same as you wouldn't use that type of polish on laquered paintwork because it will leave marring.

I've had a couple of sets of wheels now with polished lips. The set of Works I had had etching like yours when I got them (2nd hand) and couldn't really be fixed without refurbing. Then a set of Kei's that were custom painted with polished lips were prone to etching even with rainwater if left on too long but metal polish (Meg's NXT or Autosol), and even 3000 W&D used to work easily when required.

If using a heavier polish, chances are you'll have to use something else lighter (like the Meg's you already have) to 'finish out' to a better shine anyway.

Cheers

.

Rbentley · 16th September 2008, 09:29 AM

Ah, I bow to your superior knowledge (backed up by your signature)

OK, Autosol is in the boot so I'll give it a go in a bit. Better get the timing right:
"Excuse me boss, can I just go outside to polish the wheels on my car?"

Thanks Alex

Alex Creasey · 16th September 2008, 09:43 AM

lol, not at all. If it does end up looking like a refurb, let me know first & I'll see if I have anything that will help as a last ditch attempt before you have to spend any money.

Cheers.

Rbentley · 16th September 2008, 09:57 AM

Just snuck out and had a go. No luck - just coming up a dull silver and you can still see the marks although less obviously.
Valet guy is due around noon, I'll see what he says/can do.

Alex: Any chance of popping in sometime to try some samples/have a go at fixing? I'm often Elstree way during the week.

14th September 2008, 11:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rbentley GTROC Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 232	Damage to alloys. Why did I let someone else touch my car? There are some mobile valet guys which come round the business park on Tuesdays. They are very good and I occasionally use them if I have been busy over the weekend. However, I understand that this week the usual guy is away and sent round different people to either cover or take over the route (it wasnt clear). It's dark when I leave and during this week I noticed the alloys looking "funny" which I took to be as a result of my hours journey each way in the current weather putting muck and grim on them again. I just went to clean them and the chromed outers are in a terrible state. I use Maguires metal polish, and christ knows what this guy used. I had at the time asked him to pay attention to the leather seats which were getting grubby. He said he couldnt as he didnt have the correct stuff and was loath to try. Looks like he didnt have the proper stuff for a number of things. : Previous - nice mirror finish: This is a number of shots AFTER I have tried to improve with my maguires. Now: The sun on this side really shows it up SO... Before I beat the crap out of the guy on Tuesday anyone got any view on what can be done. Has the lacqueur been stripped. I'm hoping the worst case will be a trip to a refurb establishment - for which I will be charging the guy - plus compensation as I need my car for work. Appreciate your help. Thanks all

14th September 2008, 07:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
Alex Creasey seriousperformance.co.uk Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North London Posts: 1,369	As others have said, a very strong TFR or a wheel acid (diluted hydrochroric acid normally) looks like it's been used. Meg's metal polish is very light though so maybe try something with a bit more bite, even Autosol may be better. It may even be worth a go with some super fine 3000 wet & dry if a refurb is looking like the only option (not cheap or easy on split rims)...... __________________ (OO\ WAX ME /OO) www.seriousperformance.co.uk The UK's No1 Car care and detailing supplier: Finish Kare FK1, Duragloss, Poorboy's World, Dodo Juice, Meguiars, Collinite, Prima, Aquatouch Microfibre, SP Products, Clearkote, Sonus and many more! Exclusive Importer of Finish Kare Detailing Products!

16th September 2008, 09:24 AM	#12 (permalink)
Alex Creasey seriousperformance.co.uk Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North London Posts: 1,369	Your wheels aren't chrome coated though, they are unlaquered polished Aluminium. You wouldn't use a metal polish on a coating like Chrome much the same as you wouldn't use that type of polish on laquered paintwork because it will leave marring. I've had a couple of sets of wheels now with polished lips. The set of Works I had had etching like yours when I got them (2nd hand) and couldn't really be fixed without refurbing. Then a set of Kei's that were custom painted with polished lips were prone to etching even with rainwater if left on too long but metal polish (Meg's NXT or Autosol), and even 3000 W&D used to work easily when required. If using a heavier polish, chances are you'll have to use something else lighter (like the Meg's you already have) to 'finish out' to a better shine anyway. Cheers . __________________ (OO\ WAX ME /OO) www.seriousperformance.co.uk The UK's No1 Car care and detailing supplier: Finish Kare FK1, Duragloss, Poorboy's World, Dodo Juice, Meguiars, Collinite, Prima, Aquatouch Microfibre, SP Products, Clearkote, Sonus and many more! Exclusive Importer of Finish Kare Detailing Products!

16th September 2008, 09:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
Alex Creasey seriousperformance.co.uk Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North London Posts: 1,369	lol, not at all. If it does end up looking like a refurb, let me know first & I'll see if I have anything that will help as a last ditch attempt before you have to spend any money. Cheers. __________________ (OO\ WAX ME /OO) www.seriousperformance.co.uk The UK's No1 Car care and detailing supplier: Finish Kare FK1, Duragloss, Poorboy's World, Dodo Juice, Meguiars, Collinite, Prima, Aquatouch Microfibre, SP Products, Clearkote, Sonus and many more! Exclusive Importer of Finish Kare Detailing Products!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

14th September 2008, 12:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
spinner GTR Register Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 37	sorry to hear this, really gets under my skin when 'professionals' can't use the right products! had something similar on my nismo wheels. wheel cleaning fluid tends to be an acid of some description some more potent than others, some are similar to the stuff used to clean concrete. they tend to do very bad things to lacquered and chrome wheels. I had mine refurbished but not back to the original shiny finish which is difficult to replicate. mine are just matt silver now. worth getting a professional opinion on whether your wheels are in a recoverable state or a reburb is the only way forward.

14th September 2008, 12:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
AntGTR GTROC Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Birmingham Posts: 41	Ouch, not nice! I kurbed my Nismo's (teach me for not paying attention), but I took my tyres off and sent them to Rainbow polishing not far from me, they came back better than they ever were before, no marks or flat spots like before, he really did a good job, I didnt even need to strip the wheels.

14th September 2008, 01:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
MIKEGTR GTR Register Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: WICKFORD Posts: 468	Mine got ruined by valeters too, they sprayed TFR on my TE37's and made the bronze come off, again i only noticed later on in the day

14th September 2008, 02:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
mr_maj GTR Register Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 156	Looks like they have used acid to clean

14th September 2008, 02:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
Rbentley GTROC Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 232	Not sure how I will be able to prove the wheels were so good prior to Kermit getting his hands on them. If he lies I could be stuck with a big bill. Serves me right for trying to save the usual 2 hours I take to clean my car each weekend.

14th September 2008, 07:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
r33 v-spec GTR Register Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: London Posts: 4,000	Yep definitely looks like a sign of TFR, and a harsh one at that. This is the main reason why I "only" use normal shampoo on my CE's, oh yeh, and wash them myself!

15th September 2008, 08:40 AM	#10 (permalink)
Rbentley GTROC Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 232	Apparently the usual guy is on hols til Oct and his boss (!!!) is covering. Not sure what I can get out of a small company (unlikely they are insured) that cleans cars. Gonna have to dip into my own pockets AGAIN due to other peoples incompetance. Not happy. On a seperate note I got a threat on Facebook from someone I dont know threatening to torch the car and kill me! So....not the best of weekends. [I have reported the threat to Facebook and the police]

16th September 2008, 09:04 AM	#11 (permalink)
Rbentley GTROC Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 232	Got the Autosol last night but despite the pictures on the box cover it says it is not for mirror finish chrome.

16th September 2008, 09:29 AM	#13 (permalink)
Rbentley GTROC Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 232	Ah, I bow to your superior knowledge (backed up by your signature) OK, Autosol is in the boot so I'll give it a go in a bit. Better get the timing right: "Excuse me boss, can I just go outside to polish the wheels on my car?" Thanks Alex

16th September 2008, 09:57 AM	#15 (permalink)
Rbentley GTROC Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 232	Just snuck out and had a go. No luck - just coming up a dull silver and you can still see the marks although less obviously. Valet guy is due around noon, I'll see what he says/can do. Alex: Any chance of popping in sometime to try some samples/have a go at fixing? I'm often Elstree way during the week.