How do you polish a Moto-Lita steering wheel?

[Coastalman]

I have just installed a new wood rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel on my BJ8. It looks great, but there seem to be some small scratches on the surface of the spokes from the hub to the rim. Is this metal polished aluminum or chrome? What is recommended to polish the metal and get the small scratches out?
Thanks,
Charlie

 

[AUSMHLY]

Hello Charlie,

To find out if it's chrome or aluminum, rub some polish on it. I like Mothers Billet metal polish. If the rag turns black, it's aluminum. If the rag does not turn black, then the aluminum may have a clear seal product on it, or its chrome.

If it's non coated aluminum, then you can wet sand the scratches with 2000, then polish to a shine with Mothers polish.

 

[Coastalman]

That sure is a good tip for an indicator. I had tried a plastic polish, not wanting to scratch the wheel any more than it was. It did have a black residue show up on the cloth. So I will get some of the Mother's polish and work out the scratches.
Thanks,
Charlie

 

[Healey_Z]

You will get the black residue showing up on the cloth when polishing aluminum. I agree with the approach with 2000 grit wet sand if the scratch is deep, followed by a good polish like mothers. I did this process with an aluminum spoked mota lita wheel that was a real mess on my cobra (replica) and it turned out as good as new.

 

[Coastalman]

I sure am glad there is a fix. The wheel is too nice to have to have those scratches in the metal part. I will get some of the Mother's as soon as I can get to an auto store. The closest one is a NAPA about 20 miles away.

 

[AUSMHLY]

I sure am glad there is a fix. The wheel is too nice to have to have those scratches in the metal part. I will get some of the Mother's as soon as I can get to an auto store. The closest one is a NAPA about 20 miles away.

Make sure you buy the Bullet metal polish, NOT the Mag & aluminum polish, photo below for reference.

The Bullet works much faster and better. (almost twice the price for the same amount...of course.)

 

[Coastalman]

Good follow up info! I have seen the little tubs like the picture before and might just have bought that.
Thanks,
Charlie

 

[tahoe healey]

I tried the Billet and to my surprise, the wheel looks like new. I have had this stuff for a while and never used it on the car. I have a large collection of antique slot machines and that stuff sat in the service area. Thanks, Roger. What a tip!