Motorcycle & Automobile Q & A Forum

I recently had my car painted and there is some overspray on the chrome wheels. How can I get it off?

Fortunately, the paint will not ‘stick’ to the chrome very well, and is therefore relatively easy to remove. Get some lacquer thinner from the hardware store – you won’t need much. Moisten a rough rag, like an old facecloth or towel, with the lacquer thinner. (Be sure to use proper safety equipment, and be sure not to allow any of the lacquer thinner on painted surfaces.) Rub over the overspray areas with the moistened cloth. The thinner will take a couple of minutes to soften the paint and make it easy to wipe off. Just keep the area moist and let the thinner work for you. When all of the paint is removed, be sure to completely flush the chrome and the surrounding areas with water. If desired, finish with a quality chrome polish.

How can I prevent my lug nuts from getting rusty over and over?

Start by removing the lug nuts from service on the wheel. Next, make absolutely sure that all the rust is off of them and that they are completely dry and clean. You will need the smallest size can of clear polyurethane that you can get at the hardware store. Carefully dip the clean, dry, rust-free lugs into the polyurethane briefly and then slowly remove them. ONLY dip the exposed parts of the lug nuts – don’t let the polyurethane get on the threads! Now, sit the threaded, open part of the lug onto something to allow it to dry – like a pencil standing up. The idea is to allow the lug nut to dry thoroughly, and the finish to be light and even. When the polyurethane on the lug is completely dry, remove it from the drying stick and gently sand off any excess that flowed downward – making sure not to sand the areas that are visible after installation. Depending on your area and how much weather and road salt they have to endure, the lugs should nw go a few years without rusting.

What is the best way to remove old stick-on type pinstripes from the paint?

If there is clear-coat type of paint over them, then there is really no way that’s reasonable at home. If not, use a heat gun or a hair dryer to soften the adhesive and then slowly peel it away. Remove the remaining adhesive residue with any of the available release solvents such as Goo Gone. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the area when you’re done.

How do I get that whitish discoloration off of my aluminum wheels?

It will depend on what is causing the white material to be visible. If it is water stains, from hard water, then you can mix some white vinegar and water (4-parts white vinegar to 10-parts water) and rub it off easily with a sponge. Be sure to rinse and then dry the wheel afterwards to prevent it from happening because of the rinse water used.

If the residue is caused by an etching and discoloration of the aluminum – then you’ll need to get some aluminum polish, such as Mag-Chrome Aluminum Metal Polish by Eagle One. Thoroughly clean the wheel and then follow the directions on whichever brand you purchase. This process can take quite a bit of time – and elbow grease.

How do I repair a small tear in my car’s faux leather (vinyl) seat?

There are small, inexpensive, relatively easy to use kits available for repairing small tears and holes in vinyl. You can find these kits at auto parts stores and discount stores – as well as hardware and specialty stores. They are all pretty much the same, except for the colors that come in the kit. When you are shopping for the kit, be sure to find one that has as close a match to your vinyl color as possible. The kits all come with various patches to imprint various ‘grains.’ NOTE: be sure to read and follow the kit’s instructions closely, and you’ll get a near perfect match and repair.