Just had my 1978 Toyota in for a full exterior detailing. (Mr. Cap) Picked it up this morning after two days in the shop, and the results were great, except...

...they've ruined my wheels! The car's fitted with new chrome wheels (about a year old) and I've polished them after every wash. They looked great and had very, very minor flaws. In short - they looked like new.

Now, when I picked up the car there's a layer of what looks like a chemical on all wheels. The chrome is almost gone on the rear wheels and the front ones look terrible.

We agreed I'd take it to a wheel-shop to get their opinion. They claimed they treated it with the same things they usually do and have treated chrome wheels often. These guys did a fantastic job om my old car so I wasn't expecting anything else. I'm sure the shop will compensate me in one way or the other - but what do you guys think. Is there a way of saving the wheels and getting them back to their sparkling selves?

Before:


After:

 

They used acid on your wheels, there's no doubt about that... By the looks of it I'd say they left it there for a good 30 seconds or more... BIG no-no... and they left lots of blue gunk on your whitewall lettering . Are those polished aluminum or clear coated (from what I see I think they're polished Al...)? The wheels may have a chance of being polished out if they fall in the right hands. Just Google "rim polishing" in your area and I'm sure you'll find something. I'd also do a search for a pro detailer in your area that will come to your home .

 

This is a family show.

 

You said it, they ruined them. I'd be fighting for a brand new set. Period.

 

I dunno, i kinda like the matte finish, although a consistent matte finish would be a +.