32 steering wheel clean-up

dodgeo

dodgeo

Junior Member
I have a nice 32 wheel that has no cracks on the face, but has a lot of crud on it from 85 years of dirty hands. How is the best way to clean this ? I was thinking of using 0000 steel wool and then a metal polish, but would like to hear your ideas.
Thanks, Dodge
 
If it were mine, I'd start with some Dawn soapy water and a plastic scrubber. See how that cleans things up. You can always move up on the abrasive scale as necessary. Lucky there are no cracks!!!
 
I agree with the soapy water as the starting point, heavy on the soap and light on the water. I would not use a metal polish, at least one that is a liquid, as it may penetrate what is likely a somewhat porous surface on the hard rubber and leave a film. Likewise, a fine grade of Scotchbrite is a better bet than steel wool.
 
Some polishes have enough abrasive that you may not need steel wool but I don't think it would hurt it except for porosity. Hard rubber is pretty resilient stuff but it usually doesn't last as well as that wheel has. It might be a bit to porous to use any polishes. I agree on scotch brite. The gray stuff is fine and won't transfer metal to it.
 
I can't say for sure it would work in this case, and it may sound goofy. When I used to drive for a company that specialized in running older trucks I found ( after many attempts with standard common soaps ) the best result with WD-40. Wet and wipe, or if real bad wet and let sit overnight.

By the way this is a good time to mention: Never allow WD-40 to be used in any location where painting is to take place. It's a great way to ruin your week.
 
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