Ok, I need your collective minds and experience on this one.

I have on my TF stock 16" alloys, been on for a good 12 years now. Now, over the 12 years they have had a hard life and, even tho they get regular baths, they are building up allot of baked on crud.

Any ideas on the best method for cleaning? I'd like to get them all sparkly, or close enough too it. Yes i know i need to get some nice after market, but at 14yo, my baby needs some more important surgery at the moment.

I think maybe fine grit sandpaper and metal polish would clean them.
Alternatively sandblasting and later even powder-coating for color

I think maybe fine grit sandpaper and metal polish would clean them.
It depends on the rim. If it has a clear coat - which a lot of modern mags do - this would be suicide.

I reckon an alloy wheel cleaner and a claybar would get you pretty far. Available at any Supercheap/Autobarn.

It's good practice to put a sealant on the rims every once and a while to help repeal brake dust and road grime. Makes them easier to clean too.

Use 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Wet sand them lightly by hand and wash them as usually. When dry use Cut & Polish, buff them and that's it.

Red Valdez, I think the original poster was referring to the standard 12 year old 16" wheels which I believe do not have clear coat

OP, how did you go with this?