Just accquired a set of original 78 aluminum wheels, one of the wheels has a very-very bad stain the previous owner says it is from the over flow when a can of "fix a flat" was used. This stain is around the valve stem area approx 3 inch area. any secret remedies out there that might be of help?

Hi,
Alloy wheels are spayed with a clear protective coating during the manufacturing process. I found it necessary to remove the clear coat from the wheels of my 82 in order to polish them. Any paint remover will work, just be careful. I used Mother's alloy wheel polish the shine the wheels and then recoated the wheels with clear coat spray. The clear wheel spray coating is available at any auto parts store.
Hope this helps.
Tom

if you do not want to polish them and want a quick fix first, try a product called 'Goof Off'. this is an excellent stain remover but be caruful not to use to much or clen one area to long. it might take the clear coat off with the stain. use a cotton ball and two drops. this is found in most auto parts stores.

you may want to try a rubbing compound first. this is not as harsh.

mark v