10" Astro-Physics Maksutov-Cassegrain.
130mm f/8.35 Astro-Physics refractor
6" Intes Micro (Russian) Maksutov-Cassegrain

Here is a photo of the two Astro-Physics scopes mounted together on a Triad24 I designed and my cousin mfgs.

 

I tried a long-handled soft brush and it was pretty worthless at getting in the small spaces. I got a thing at an auto parts store that's great: about 18" long with a plastic handle and microfiber at the other end that's round and fits into the spaces in the wheel and rubs the dirt out. Before I always needed a mitt or cloth, now I hardly bend over at all. Big improvement over the brush.

 

Well if you are worried about scratches move up! Get them rimz powda coated yo! That shiz be hawt!

 

+1 on that. Actually I use two brushes, one is a regular soft bristle tire/wheel brush and the other is a long thin round brush to get between the spokes and the back side of the wheel. I periodically apply a coat of sealant on the wheels and have found no need for any harsh cleaner on my Mini wheels. I sure wish BMW would change to a more dust free brake pad though.

 

left-over wash water works great for wheels, but make sure the water level in the bucket is not too low otherwise you'll put some of that dirt onto the sponge. Also I use a separate sponge ONLY for the wheels so that it keeps brake dust and grime away from my cellulose sponge that is used for the paint/glass. I rinse everything well afterwards but do not trust all the dirt is completely out, this is the reason for the 2 sponges -- DO NOT use paper towels on wheels, especially chrome or wheels with even a little bit of a mirro-like finish, it will scratch.

Lastly, wax the wheels if you can as it'll keep them cleaner longer and easier to rinse off next time. I haven't tried hydro yet but I will.

 

Try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, they make one for Wheels/Tires!! And instead of Hydro use Prima Slick. I have a 3-Fingered Lambswool Wash Mitt for my Wheels. I always end up with Black&Blue marks on my hands from trying to get in between the BridgeSpokes...PITA!!

 

Spray with Simple Green cleaner, let soak a few minutes; rinse off and dry with a microfiber towel. I have the crown spoke wheels, works great. gl

 

Simple Green removes wax, so you will need frequently wax your wheels to keep them in tip top shape.

 

I just want to get some black wheels so I don't have to think about it any more. Other than that, I go to the self-serve car wash, spray the tire cleaner on, let it soak while I spray down the rest of the car, and rinse. I'm sure I violate several MINI rules, but it gets the car pretty clean every week for a couple bucks.

 

[quote=dbhouston;2874015]I just want to get some black wheels so I don't have to think about it any more. quote]

Don't think you can get off that easy! Black does NOT hide the brake dust very well either. They get a nice grey/brown haze as they accumulate that MINI brake pad dust. My new Team Dynamic's are beautiful, but they show dust after the first drive. I can't wait to wear these pads out and get something else.