Refinished my RS4 reps!

[halik]

Woo,
halfway done refurbishing my rims (and new tires). I re-did them with with hypersilver (silver flake over black) and they came out pretty awesome. The end results seems darker and bluer than the original paint.

 

[Baked]

Great job on the refurb, looks like new. Too bad it's missing the logo cap.

Ps. I wish it's legal to murder people who steal your wheel logo caps.

 

[rh71]

did it involve putty and sanding or did you use another method?

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: Baked
Great job on the refurb, looks like new. Too bad it's missing the logo cap.

Ps. I wish it's legal to murder people who steal your wheel logo caps.

Oh I have the caps, the little logo discs came off long time ago. I gotta get a new set off ebay.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Baked
Great job on the refurb, looks like new. Too bad it's missing the logo cap.

Ps. I wish it's legal to murder people who steal your wheel logo caps.

I have BBS wheels and the first week I had my car, people stole the BBS valve stem caps........VALVE STEM CAPS!!!!!

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: rh71
did it involve putty and sanding or did you use another method?

No putty, I was able to sand the curb rash down without messing up the contour of the wheel.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

Can you go into more detail about the process you used?

My 18" Aristos (R32 wheels) could use similar treatment.

 

[CRXican]

Originally posted by: ShockwaveVT
Can you go into more detail about the process you used?

My 18" Aristos (R32 wheels) could use similar treatment.

I painted the stock wheels on my Miata.

1. Clean the wheels really well. I went so far as to use Acetone. Old wheels can be very dirty.

2. Scuff up the surface. I used green Scotch Brite pads but that was a PITA. Used some medium grit sand paper and dull the surface a little so that the paint will stick.

3. Primer. Some people use it, I didn't. It's really up to you. The paint on mine has yet to peel after several months.

3. Spray paint. My technique isn't great. You shouldn't need more than a couple coats. Get some higher quality paint. I used paint advertised as specifically for wheels. Clear coat as well if you want them shiny and easier to clean.

 

[rh71]

popular article: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/realwhda.html

I looked into having a pro do it and it costs $125 a wheel. Doing it yourself seems pretty straightforward (it can't get any worse right?) once you have the materials... I have to get off my lazy ass.

 

[Koing]

Job looks very good mate!

Koing

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: ShockwaveVT
Can you go into more detail about the process you used?

My 18" Aristos (R32 wheels) could use similar treatment.

Pretty much what CRXican said.

I took them to a DIY car wash and powerwashed them with degreaser and soap water.
After that came a good bit of sanding (orbital sander to the face, sponge for spokes) and a little bit of dremel action for the curb rash. Once that is done, you hose them down with water, wait to dry and then clean/wipe with paint thinner/ mineral spirits etc.

Then you prime them (i went with black primer for the hypersilver look) and shoot with silver coat (duplicolor rim paint). Let it dry and clear coat afterwards.

 

[StageLeft]

I guess I must have forgotten this can be done. Seems like a good idea before selling a car that's worth something.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

Originally posted by: rh71
popular article: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/realwhda.html

I looked into having a pro do it and it costs $125 a wheel. Doing it yourself seems pretty straightforward (it can't get any worse right?) once you have the materials... I have to get off my lazy ass.

Originally posted by: halik

Originally posted by: ShockwaveVT
Can you go into more detail about the process you used?

My 18" Aristos (R32 wheels) could use similar treatment.

Pretty much what CRXican said.

I took them to a DIY car wash and powerwashed them with degreaser and soap water.
After that came a good bit of sanding (orbital sander to the face, sponge for spokes) and a little bit of dremel action for the curb rash. Once that is done, you hose them down with water, wait to dry and then clean/wipe with paint thinner/ mineral spirits etc.

Then you prime them (i went with black primer for the hypersilver look) and shoot with silver coat (duplicolor rim paint). Let it dry and clear coat afterwards.

Thanks guys, looks like I have a project for a quiet Saturday morning later this summer.