How do I clean these rims?

[NeilNeilOrangePeel]

Please help, I bought a probably overpriced Muddyfox on ebay, not sure what year as the decals/paint are not original. Has a lugged seat post with paw logo, so definitely a late 80s/early 90s one.

Anyway, the rims were grey/black from grease and grime, with the brakes obviously not working well. Never mind I thought, I'll just clean them.

So far I have tried:
- Soap and water, no effect
- Oven cleaner (Cif) with Scourer, no effect
- Brillo pads, this made the clear bits shine, but didn't remove the grimy black film
- WD40 disc brake cleaner (god knows what chemicals it used, but harmful to everything), no effect
- Garryflex block 120 grit, recommended on another rim cleaning thread I found, it disintegrated used dry.
- Garryflex block with white spirit, no effect
- Wet and dry paper 600 grit, wet with soapy water, and then white spirit, maybe removed some of it?

So far very little difference, and I'm wondering if I bought such a lemon that I'll even have to replace the wheels. Front is Deore LX hub with Ringle rims, rear is STX hub with Mavic rims, so was hoping to salvage them.

Here's some pics of where I've got to, any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[sefton1275gt]

Some rims are painted (from new) even on the braking area...it could be that they have had little use and not yet worn through? Maybe

 

[sefton1275gt]

Heres my Mavic wheels after a few hundred miles (the coating hasn't been worn off yet)

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

OP Your rims are anodised, which is hard. Yours too @sefton1275gt