This MPI-DP-13 steering wheel was in rough shape when I received it. A Super Late Model driver from Georgia had used it since 2014 in an Asphalt series. He thought it was shot and listed it on eBay for $70. I snagged it!
This is an awesome steering wheel. Many of your favorite Nascar drivers use this exact steering wheel every Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in the race. Usually in a 15-inch variation, but there are 13,14,15, or 16 available in this same steering wheel.
Now this steering wheel was very dirty, but not lost. When I unboxed it, my initial impressions were, “wow, this dirty” “this guy must of had oil and bearing grease caked in his hands each time he drove”. So, I started to get to work. The 10-2 location was the worst part. It was heavily soiled with grime and most likely grease. It would appear the driver used gloves on some occasions, but perhaps not all. None the less, I started to scrub the outer half of the steering wheel with a MPI-A-SB Steel Steering Wheel Brush. Once I was able to get the initial surface to bristle a little, I grabbed my can of Sonax Alcantara Cleaner and a couple of clean and dry microfiber cloths.
1st – Lightly apply the Sonax Alcantara Cleaner to the outside portion of the wheel.
2nd – Use warm water and get one of the microfiber cloths wet. Ring it out so it is not dripping wet. Take the damp cloth and wrap it around the steering wheel where you applied the Sonax. With the cloth wrapped around the wheel, and your hand gripping the cloth and wheel, move your hand in a back and forth motion. This will help start to lift the Alcantara fibers and expose the dirt that is hidden underneath. You will start to notice the cloth getting dirty. You can either rinse it out or move on to a cleaner cloth. Keep repeating this process until the cloth is no longer displaying dirt after you have completed the above process on the steering wheel. Once you are satisfied with the results, move on to the next section of the wheel that is dirty and repeat the process.
3rd – After you are satisfied that the wheel is clean, wait for it to dry and take the MPI-A-SB Steel Steering Wheel Brush and use the rubber side to bring back the memory of the Alcantara. You may have to lightly use the steel side to get it started. You’ll notice that the smaller 13″ wheel on the left is lighter colored now after cleaning. This is due to the heavy soiling the wheel experienced prior to cleaning. If your wheel has been only used indoors for Sim Racing. Chances are, it won’t turn light gray as did this 13″ MPI wheel.
That is, it. Your Alcantara wheel is ready for its new journey. Check out the links below to the products used in this article. These links help support SK Sim Racing, and our continued efforts to bring Sim Racing content to you, The Sim Racer.
Note: These are recommendations. Not all wheels will require this intense of a cleaning process. Your wheel may require a more or less intense cleaning. Always read the instructions on cleaning products or tools prior to use. SK Sim Racing is not responsible for damage to wheels caused by these recommendations. Use good judgement. Safety glasses are recommended when using liquid chemical agents.
Affiliate Links to products used.
MPI-A-SB Steel Steering Wheel Brush https://amzn.to/3ea5WUQ
Sonax (206141) Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner – 8.45 fl. oz. https://amzn.to/2Ps1bvs
MPI MPI-LM-15 Steel Wheel Suede Grip https://amzn.to/3eav5Pf
MPI MPI-MP-14-OE Steel Wheel Suede https://amzn.to/3sNek0H