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Wire Wheels

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Mark Sigfrinius

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I'm sure this has been discussed sometime previously, however, being lazy I thought I would ask. The wire wheels on my '67 XKE are in excellent condition. But wow. Is there some easy way to clean them up and get them nice and shiny like an "instant bottle of miracle wire wheel cleaner?" I started on just one wheel and it got dark before I was half way done. My fingers are bleeding (well...sore) Any help would be appreciated.
 
You can get brushes specially designed for cleaning wire wheels, certainly makes the job faster, not to mention painless. I have one, still use it for alloys, but it's not ideal for that. I think you can get one through www.griotsgarage.com but let me know if you're unable to find one.
 
I'll share a secret with you as long as you tell no one else.

The easiest way to clean wire wheels is, especially if they are chrome, to use a spray with which you clean your bathroom. Should there be too much dirt on them, then use the same spray with which you clean your oven as this especially removes all grease and dirt without attacking the surface.

In other words, I just gave you the lazy man's answer so that you can concentrate on one thing and that is enjoying a beer
 
One small detail:

You spray the product on and wait approximately 10 minutes, then rinse it off with the hose et voila /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
I use spray on wheel cleaners and never have a problem. Cleans them with no work. Maybe a tad of touch up with a cloth after but not at all difficult.
 
I've never had my Chrome wires dirty enough to need more than a hoseing /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/square.gif .......But the painted wires on my wifes MGA get pretty messy, she's been using Mr. clean and a wire wheel brush so far with acceptable results...I've been noticing at alot of shows that not many people bother to clean their wires all that much, I can understand this on a driver, but some of these are nice show cars and I find that dirty wheels can really distract from the overall presentation of the car.
 
Hey thanks for all the assistance in the chrome wire wheels cleaning contest. As soon as it stops raining I'll try all the ideas which all seem painless to me. If anyone else has any more hints I'll check back. Spray. Wash. Sparkle. That's for me!!
 
Been a while since I've owned wires but when I did I paid a neighbor kid a buck a wheel. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I supplied the tools: a baby bottle brush and soap 'n water. I s'pose there's now no such thing as a "baby bottle brush".
 
I think the baby bottle brush has been outlawed by the EPA or the DOE and the Dept of Health. There is only one neighbor kid available but "doing a decent job and a good work ethic" is not one of his strengths. I think I'll stick with the spray cleaner and hose it off method for the time being!
 
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