Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I have a set of American Racing Libre wheels with magnesium centers. They were dealer upgrades on my ‘72 240Z and have been in storage for over 20 years and the magnesium center spokes look bad. My question, does anyone know how to clean true magnesium wheels? These are also tough because of their rough surface texture. I tried a spray on wheel cleaner and it had a slight chemical reaction. Like I said, they’ve been in storage for over 20 years so a brush with soap and water didn’t work.

Also, does anyone know what center caps fit?

I don't know how to clean wheels but pictures will likely get you more and or better responses depending on the state of the wheel. People here will know. Let them see how they look.

A friend of mine has done a lot of experimentation with electrolysis, plating, rust removal and restoration. He showed me some SU carbs that he put into muriatic acid/water (appx 10% acid to 90% water) for about half an hour, and the results were incredible. For steel he uses phosphoric acid. I'm not sure if those Libres are truly magnesium or if they are really some aluminum alloy, but you might give a solution like that a try. I think the magnesium ones were used for racing and I doubt a dealer would have put them on a street car. You just need a big enough container (maybe a plastic garbage can?) to hold a wheel at a time.

Is it more dirty, or just oxidized? You might have good luck just media blasting them with something gentle. The rough finish from the media blast would look right with the cast style of the libres.

I've powerwashed sand cast, polished lip aluminum rims with clear water only, and they look just right.

John,
You need to know if your wheels are magnesium or not. The thought of riding on 50 year old magnesium is kinda scary. A drop of battery acid on clean magnesium will bubble, turn black and give off nasty fumes. Aluminum can bubble, but stay clear. Shavings/filings when lit, will sparkle like fireworks.
Thanks,
Bob

Avoid puddles

Thank you everyone for your responses. I took them to a friend of mine that restores classic American muscle cars and he confirmed that they were definitely magnesium centers. He’s going to clean them up, though he did say the rough mag spokes will never look “new” and polish the rims. We even got the 40+ year old white wall Firestone tires to hold pressure! Of course I won’t risk riding on ‘em! Thanks again everyone!