Cleaning Western Wheels

[Bill Scott]

Hi all!

I have these on my 240 and was hoping for some advice on cleaning these wheels.  I would hate to ruin them by using the wrong cleaner.  Some say Simple Green, others say a harsher chemical.  Some say steel wool.  Any advise is appreciated!

 

Thanks!!

Bill

[Freez74]

I use Mac's Aluminum Brightener from NAPA.  Spray it on, rinse it off, wheel looks new.

[Patcon]

I would not use steel wool! It can leave residue which will rust

[Bill Scott]

Thanks for the advice on the steel wool Patcon!

Freez74, scrubbed with toothbrush and simple green, then used Macs Brightener... came out great!!  thanks!  MUST use outside or VERY well ventilated space.

 

 

[Patcon]

You might want to clear them to keep them from oxidizing again

Eastwood has some non yellowing clears in different sheens

[Freez74]

Glad you like the Mac's!  Yes it is rather stinky, don't inhale deeply.

[Tirnipgreen]

On 4/3/2022 at 7:37 PM, Freez74 said:

Glad you like the Mac's!  Yes it is rather stinky, don't inhale deeply.

"I did not inhale...!"

 

[zKars]

I bought a product called SHARKHIDE several years ago with the intent to clean many aluminum Datsun things like wheels and valve covers. Finally got around to trying it today. 

THIS SHEITE IS DA’ BOMB! 

I have a set of lovely original D-slot mags on a 71 that I’m restoring, and this stuff took them from grim to perfect in the fastest easiest way I’ve ever imagined. This stuff is seriously bad for you, the instructions have scared me away from even trying it until today, but damn, it does what it says it will do. Just ragged it on, scrubbed the grime with same gray scotchbrite scrub pads then rinsed it off. 15 min per wheel tops. Obviously you have to the clear coat off first, not sure these ever had any. 

At the time I bought it, 10 years I think, it was only available thru boating companies, no retailer would ship it, so I picked up a bottle in Salmon Arm BC on the way back to Calgary on vacation that year. Now I see it on Amazon of course. I’d buy it from sharkhidestore.com, it’s $29.95 a quoart vs $97 on amazon, big surprise. 

If you want serious power, this stuff is what you want. Just be dang careful with it.

Edited August 20, 2023 by zKars

[grannyknot]

So you are talking about their aluminum cleaner? I've been using the their protectant for many years and it is great on aluminum, keeps the finish from oxidizing for years with kind of a satin finish.

[zKars]

Yes the cleaner. I should show a picture of the bottle.

 

[Captain Obvious]

"Acid solution containing Hydrofluoric acid, Sulfuric acid, and Nonylphenoxy Ethoxy Ethanol
Have a 0.13% solution of zepharin chloride solution on hand"

Yikes.   

For those who don't know anything about hydrofluoric... If I remember correctly, the zepharin chloride is an emergency measure to give it a calcium target that it likes better than the calcium in your body. Like your bones.

Classic tradeoff between safety and effectiveness. That stuff probably works great.

[zKars]

14 hours ago, Captain Obvious said:

"Acid solution containing Hydrofluoric acid, Sulfuric acid, and Nonylphenoxy Ethoxy Ethanol
Have a 0.13% solution of zepharin chloride solution on hand"

Yikes.   

For those who don't know anything about hydrofluoric... If I remember correctly, the zepharin chloride is an emergency measure to give it a calcium target that it likes better than the calcium in your body. Like your bones.

Classic tradeoff between safety and effectiveness. That stuff probably works great.

Yes but your paint, decals, carpet, bunk, rubber and wiring will be just fine. Love the label.