I remember my gramps used to make up some stuff with vinegar and baking soda, hot water and something else, i forget.(probably the most important ingredient) The cats were christening his rims in the backyard. Worked pretty good on aluminum, i used it on my bike while he was cleaning stuff too. As far as the clear coat stripping goes, the only product I've ever heard of working is EZ off oven cleaner. Tire must be removed from rim before applying EZ off. I doubt S.O.S. pads would touch it.....