waxing/polishing chrome wire wheels

[bighealeysource]

Hey all,
Any hints on waxing/polishing chrome wire wheels ? Been
working on them and my 62 year old fingers don't want to
fit in between the spokes, etc like they used to. Anyone
ever use a spray on wax or something like that? These are
48 spoke thank goodness as I know the 72 spoke wheels
would be more of a challenge.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Randy Forbes]

I haven't tried it yet (my wire wheels are being manufactured this week), but I'm hopeful to be able to use a spray wax (like Meguiar's) and then buff the wheels with a Mother's ball (mounted to a drill motor). I'm thinking that there's more than one (>1) size ball available...

If anyone's tried this, with either good or bad results, please let us know. If not, I'll be blazing the trail sometime mid-February.

Another product I recall that used to be available, but I haven't seen it in years, are waxed empregnated polishing strips that were maybe 1" to 1-1/2" wide by 6" to 8" long. That would help with the spokes/nipples, but not so good around the hub and rim.

Anyone else with some good tips?

 

[Johnny]

I speak with great authority here, this is a job for either a grandson or wife

 

[GregW]

either a grandson or wife

I don't have either of those. Is there a rental place somewhere?

 

[Lin]

Gentlemen,
I am afraid that this job requires patience! I do one wheel a night. I tried the Mothers polishing wheel product and could not find anything that was small enough to work with my 72 spoke wires. My wife purchased some manicure wooden sticks and some swabs and between them and a few rags I eventually got it all done. This is a job best done by hand. I take 1 and 1/2 hours to 2 hours per wheel to do it right. It is a good winter project for those of us who don't do a lot of healey driving in the winter months.
Lin

 

[sjgcpa]

I have a son and a mother in law for rent. Make an offer.

 

[Randy Forbes]

Oh Lin, you're not giving me anything to look forward to...

... I wonder if Dayton has actually started making my wheels yet?

 

[Barefoot]

Easier done off the car

 

[mjobrien]

A friend with an XKE offered that British Wire Wheel has some really great spray on that removes all the dirt and grime, that's one part of the operation.

I have not tried it but he uses it regularly and his wheels do look great!

https://www.britishwirewheel.com/related.htm

One-step Chrome Wire Wheel Cleaner
Our one-step cleaner is simply the best! It will not damage the chrome, yet is easy to use and leaves your wheels sparkling clean. Avoid two-step cleaners on new wheels! Quart w/sprayer.

 

[Johnny]

"My wife purchased some manicure wooden sticks and some swabs ......"
Lin, that was your chance.............

 

[tahoe healey]

Many of the chrome cleaners are NOT safe for painted wheels. I know this thread is about chrome but I don't want the painted wheels guys to get too excited and think it is safe for paint. Test first. I experimented on an extra wheel I had cause someone said it would work. Did you know the wheels are really black under the factory gray paint?

 

[mjobrien]

Agree - always test first and a good test is a simple Ph test from a home improvement store to see if the clearner is OK....