Cleaning Borrani wire wheels | FerrariChat
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Cleaning Borrani wire wheels

Discussion in 'Detailing & Showroom' started by Dwathencars, Jul 26, 2024.

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  1. Dwathencars

    Dwathencars Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 1, 2017
    20
    Bloomfield Hills. Michigan USA
    Full Name:
    David Wathen
    #1 Dwathencars, Jul 26, 2024
    I had previously spent many hours polishing the aluminum rims with a rotary cotton burr, appropriate polish, and various probes as advised here on the forum. We drive this Vignale Spyder for local events and then did a 600 mile weekend with some rain that left a mix of brake dust, some grease oozing from the spoke holes and just general dirt. I’m an engineer and understand the damage that many high PH wheel cleaners (like I use on the all chrome Dunlop wires on our Cobra and XK120) can cause dulling of the aluminum so sought out some neutral PH, aluminum-safe cleaners and tried various brushes. The results of my non-scientific test:
    Sonax “Safe for Aluminum” is my favorite as it breaks up the greasy residues best.
    Meguiars “Hot Rims Aluminum” foams the most so clings well. It also turns colors as it cleans.
    DuraCoat works ok, is cheaper, and had positive reviews on Amazon.
    The brush shown in the photo worked best.
    A pressure washer is the best tool as long as you are careful with the Borrani stickers on the wheels.
    I have a water deionizer that produces rinse water that doesn't bead up, just sheets off. This helps.
    And a high pressure blower to dry the wheels.
    So…..I’m very interested in other folks recommendations. Many of us who drive our cars deal with this issue. Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    George Vosburgh and Carbon Bits like this.
  2. Solid State

    Solid State F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 4, 2014
    10,427
    Full Name:
    Maximus Decimus Meridius
    #2 Solid State, Jul 26, 2024
    My god man I feel for you. I almost buy cars based on the wheel design these days. I have several motorcycles with tons of spokes and it is the bane of my existence. Its just hours of misery and I don't have the wrists for it anymore. :(
     
    2dinos, NYC Fred, ag512bbi and 1 other person like this.
  3. Autodetailing

    Autodetailing Karting

    Oct 5, 2021
    220
    Full Name:
    John
    #3 Autodetailing, Aug 4, 2024
    Autosmart Red 7 is a great product and safe to use on paint, bright trim and alloy wheels as it is PH Neutral.
    Mainly used as a fallout remover / iron dissolver, it turns red on contact with metal particles.
    I clean a DB6 with wire wheels fairly regularly, simply spray and leave while you wash the body work etc, leaves a great finish. If needed agitate hard to reach areas with a detailing brush.
    Downsides - can take a lot of rinsing to remove, i usually rinse well then apply a snow foam and again leave for 5 mins or so, then rinse again.
    Unsure if you can get Autosmart products in the USA?
     
    NYC Fred likes this.
  4. 2dinos

    2dinos F1 Rookie

    Jan 13, 2007
    2,952
    #4 2dinos, Aug 7, 2024
    I did exactly that when I ordered my BMW. Unfortunately, my model wouldn't work with other wheels. The standard wheel has 20 struts to clean each! That means scrubbing the 320 strut surfaces every time the wheels get cleaned. This is pretty motivating not to clean them.
     
    Solid State likes this.

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