Cleaning wire wheels

[bob hughes]

OK chaps

Any bright ideas of easy ways to clean wire wheels.? Mine are silver painted and sad to say, they were last given a really good clean 5 years ago. I guess that the name of the game is to regularly clean them with the purpose made wheel brush when the car is washed and polished.

I am coming to the end of a cleaning regime using paraffin then a degreaser, then a paint touch up to finish, but was there a quicker way.

Bob

 

[Maccers]

Blimey Bob!

5 years is going some - are they still silver underneath?

My lazy way of cleaning wires is to use any spray-on proprietary wheel cleaner, whichever is cheapest and use this in conjunction with a presure wash.

You have to be careful not to blast off the paint which can happen if you set the pressure too high and hold the nozzle too close, but if you are careful, it will save a lot of time and finger-breaking effort. Then you can polish and shine them as for normal bodywork.

I normally take my wheels off the car once a year to do this and touch up the chips. 12 years on and my wheels still look good.

Good luck.

Maccers

 

[AUSMHLY]

Some folks have their wheels power coated in the correct color. Then you can use a spray bottle of wheel cleander that has a gentle acid cleaner in it. Rinse cold wheels with water. Spray the light acid cleaner and wait one minute. Then hose off. Looks like new.

Have you tried using Simple Green on your wheels? Good stuff and not bad for the environment.

Happy motoring!
Roger

 

[nevets]

I find that the best way to clean them is to take them off the car. That way I can clean from both sides. I use a gentle spray-on cleaner and a bristle brush especially made for cleaning wire wheels (narrow and tapered) plus a bucket of soapy water. While thery're off the car I do maintenance stuff on the car that's easier to do with the wheels off...adjust brakes, tighten shock bolts, etc.

 

[judow]

:lol: Sorry guys. I don't know of any 'easy' way to clean the wire wheels. I do know that I frequently use hubby's air compressor and blow the heck out of them. Anytime I've cleaned them I've had hubby help. He takes them off the car and we spray them with Simple Green, brush and water spray.

As I said, not easy but then husband gets to grumble and I just smile and say that at least we are doing something together...

 

[Frank C.]

I don't think there is a EASY way to clean them but I agree that removing them works best for a best job.

For a quick job though, the addition of our first grandson a few years ago helped me find a nice tool for clean them on the car. My wife started baby sitting and had to clean the bottles so she would this simple device (found in any baby section) that has spiral bristles and a foam "wad" on the end. It is cheap and does a great job.

Just another idea ...

 

[Stretch]

Regarding the touch up paint, I have only seen spray can versions for sale. Does anyone know a source for a small bottle or can for touching up chips with a brush?

 

[Dave Russell]

Shake can & spray a bit of paint into the can lid at close range. Use a watercolor brush to dip it out as needed. Clean brush with thinner. Let lid dry & replace it on can.
D

 

[bob hughes]

Thanks Guys

The wheels had to be removed for sure, finally got 'em clean and have touched the paint up with the rattle can, I must say they do look nice. Now I have to keep them clean, I have leaned my lesson on that one.

Bob

 

[sjgcpa]

I have my 17 year old son clean them. Then I allow him to drive it for a few miles. Works every time!

 

[Silverghost]

"Hey Tom, I'll pay ya 5 cents to white wash this here fence.. Gee Huck, that'd be swell!" :laugh: <I pray I got those names right! lol>