painted wheels

[SOP8920@Siena.edu]

Bob Writes:
"Hey Y'all,

The wheels of my "new" '89 200TQ are painted pearl white to match the car.
They look pretty sharp - when clean.  :-(  Soap, water, and elbow grease
along with a used toothbrush work pretty well to clean them up.  This, of
course, lasts at least until the first time I drive the 3 miles into town
and 3 miles back.  Appearances go rapidly downhill from there.

I used to be fairly satisfied with some wheel cleaning products for aluminun
wheels.  As of my last understanding, paint is different.  (Duh.)  Has
anyone found the "magic product" which will clean these painted wheels of
brake dust deposits quickly and easily and without damaging the paint?  If
so, please share your recommendations."

I have the same problem or perhaps a more severe one on my 89 200TQ. With a
team consisting of myself, a buddy, and my brother we scrubbed those damn
wheels for a good while with toothbrushes, rags, and Quicksilver. The stuff
seemed to work on the light brake dust but not in the heavy deposits. I also
noticed that one side of the spokes were much worse than the other b/c of the
way the wheels draw heat (and dust) from the brakes. Compared to the "stick
your finger in it" depth for the pearl on the body, the wheels look very bad.
When you find the miracle cure.. let me know. 
                                 p.s. My husky loves riding in the Q too. 
                                                     -Osman