Need some help from all the F owners out there about my two front rims that appear to be tuning black around the outer edge and on the spokes.

History: Bought my F and a year and a half ago and the rims were in pretty bad shape. I searched and decided to purchase a used, mint set from a guy in Arizona who claimed they had never been repaired, repainted or touched up. I took it a face value and bought the set. They arrived and IMHO they all looked just as described even showing a slight nick or scratch so it gave no indication of a re-spray. They looked great! Even my relative who has an 08 F with same rims thought they looked mint with no indication of a touch up.

About 3-4 months after being installed and several washings, I began to notice the outer rim where the spoke mates to the outer rim on the passenger side front (pictured) started turning black. Since them, its spread to what you see now and got progressively worse. The drivers side front is doing the same but not as bad as this. The rear rims are as like new and show no signs of this. I've never used any harsh chemicals to clean the rims, only the same Mequires car wash mix for the paint. Have tried a clay bar and cleaner wax to see if it can be removed but to no avail.

Have no idea what is going and never seen another F's rims like this. Any info would be appreciated.

 

Looks to me the base coat is coming through. Like the top coat is fading. I had this happen on one of the rear wheels.

 

Thanks Rick! It appears to be the consensus. That's what a couple of my relatives are leaning towards too being 08 and 09 F owners. Just odd that I have both fronts doing it at once. Might be time to search for two good used replacement rims.

 

We can't say how previous owners treated their cars. Harsh chemicals, car washes & over cleaning.