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Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

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  • #1

    Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

    Hey everyone, I wasn't sure where to post this, so I'll start with The Break Room. I've got a 1995 TransAm that has the factory 16 wheels still on the car. I don't have a garage, so the car has been exposed to the TN elements for 13 years now.

    In the last year or so, I've noticed that the acrylic, or clearcoat, is starting to flake off the alumnium wheels. Is there any way to repair this? The car needs a new paint job, but I'm not sure if a paint shop would be the best to recoat the wheels. The clearcoat is starting to fail on the hood, so that is why I think they put a clearcoat-like layer on the wheels.

    Any input or suggestions for vendors would be greatly appreciated.
    NOTE: Post count does not reflect actual detailing knowledge.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

    You could always strip the clear and polish them up. If you want them coated again, strip the clear, polish them up, and have them clear powdercoated.

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    • #3
      Re: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

      There was/is a company in Indianapolis that refinished wheels/rims. I was told about it awhile ago by a manager at a Tire Barn I believe. Don't know that it helps much but it may point you in a direction.
      Michael


      Talent hits a target no-one else can hit; genius hits targets no-one else can see. - Schopenhauer

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      • #4
        Re: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

        Originally posted by ColonelCash View Post
        In the last year or so, I've noticed that the acrylic, or clearcoat, is starting to flake off the aluminum wheels. Is there any way to repair this?
        Once the paint on a wheel starts to flake off, the honest way to repair the finish is to start fresh by removing all the paint and then having fresh paint applied after the wheel surface has been properly prepared. Finding shop that does this kind of work may be difficult, you could check in a specialty magazine for repair like Hemming's at www.hmn.com


        Originally posted by ColonelCash View Post
        The car needs a new paint job, but I'm not sure if a paint shop would be the best to recoat the wheels.
        A good body shop should be able to repaint the car and the wheels, the problem with the wheels is they are more hassle to strip, prep and paint compared to a car, so some shops may be happy to paint the car but may not want to deal with the wheels.

        Originally posted by ColonelCash View Post

        The clearcoat is starting to fail on the hood, so that is why I think they put a clearcoat-like layer on the wheels.
        Take the car to some body shops and get some estimates, let them know you want the car and the wheels re-painted.

        Best of luck to you...
        Mike Phillips
        760-515-0444
        showcargarage@gmail.com
        "Find something you like and use it often"

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        • #5
          Re: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

          In our local auto stores that sells rattle cans.....I've seen "Wheel" clear coat along with wheel paint colors. I did not look at them to see what type of paint they are (acrylic/enamel etc) made by a reputable company, but name escapes me at the moment.

          The wheels on my Yukon are starting to flake on me and I planned on using a paint remover and then polish them up and see from there, they are machined clear coated. I don't mind the machined part and the part of the paint that is missing, looks pretty good using Meg's Aluminum/Chrome Polish. If that doesn't work out, I planned on a remove CC, then use the rattle can wheel clear coat.

          If I do it anytime soon, I'll do a write up. Going to nights soon and just may do that in the next couple of weeks or so.

          Good luck whatever you do.

          Aaron
          Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

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          • #6
            Re: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

            Dupli-Color has wheel paints.

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            • #7
              Re: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

              Thanks for the tips everyone, I did find the name of the shop listed in Indiana that fixes wheels. Someone on a Corvette forum directed me to them.

              There is a paint shop that I'll take it to and get an estimate before shipping the wheels out of state.

              Speaking of repainting, are there any threads about repainting a car? What paint holds up the best, chemicals used for stripping, etc.? Just curious.
              NOTE: Post count does not reflect actual detailing knowledge.

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              • #8
                Re: Aluminum Wheel Refinishing?

                Originally posted by roushstage2 View Post
                Dupli-Color has wheel paints.
                That's the one.

                Thanks Tyler.

                Aaron
                Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

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