Reliant Scimitar SE6A
1977 Reliant Scimitar SE6A Work since last report
Wolfrace wheels given a serious spring cleaning.
Every year I find that winter conditions tarnish the Scimitar’s Wolfrace wheels. They’re raw alloy, without lacquer protection, so an annual clean and polish is a necessary task to look their best.
With the car up on axle stands, the wheels were soon off… or would have been if one of the locking wheel nuts hadn’t seized (more about that later).
I started by washing the wheels to remove the worst of the brake dust and road grime. The next step is a deeper clean, using fine wire wool and plenty of soapy water. This gets rid of the corrosion and water spots from winter, leaving a dull sheen.
I finished the wheels using chrome polish with very fine wire wool, bringing up a satisfying gleam. It’s some way short of the mirror finish required to win concours prizes but the Scim’ is daily transport, not a pampered exhibit.
Having found some of the locking wheel nut caps were getting stiff, before refitting the wheels I sprayed them with motorcycle chain grease. This should be able to penetrate then stay put to ensure troublefree unlocking in future. I refitted the wheels with a light smear of copper grease on the studs then torqued up the nuts to the specified 48lb ft.