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Oxidized Wheels

We have bought some old aluminum alloy wheels and would like to clean them up and polish them. I know semi companies use an acid to clean wheels.

Any idea on which acid and which strength it should be?

Peg G [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Fairbury, Nebraska, USA
2001

Ed. note: yes, some companies clean aluminum with hydrofluoric acid, which is a very dangerous process since hydrofluoric acid frightens experienced professionals. But for real shine, alloy wheels must be mechanically polished and buffed, not dipped in a magic potion, Peg.

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