double spoke original wheels

[Windecker]

Hi guys. I have a question regarding the original wheels for our P types.
I am sending some out for reworking that I just got (they were supposed to be corrosion free but----NOT).

Having multiple done cuts the cost. Anyone want in on a sort of group reworking? Current price is $120.00 per rim but I think I could get that down under $100.00 if we get a few together. I have seen their work and it looks pretty good. Trans wheel (Transwheel.com)

I tried the wheel colision place listed on this site but they paint the wheels the wrong color, (bright silver instead of gray silver) otherwise they look ok.
We might be able to do a group thing with them but they seemed less willing to work with me on it.

I know a bunch of you just went with the 17 inch wheels but some of you are still running stock.

Thanks and let me know what you guys think.
Windecker

[pdupler]

PAINT the wheels? :shock: The stockers do not have any color paint on the cast surfaces. When I refinish wheels, I carefully mask off the polished faces and rims and sandblast the cast surfaces to retain the stock appearance. Its alot of work and probably worth $120/wheel tho. I guess thats why the other place is cheaper.

Phil D.

[dohc82]

480US to refinish the stock rims :?: ...for a couple of hundred more a person could have got the 17" ROHs :shock:

Personally I like my white rims. The spray paint only cost 10CAN :lol:

[RedP85]

I did paint the non-polished surface of my "new" wheels last winter. Pics at
My ImageStation (http://www.imagestation.com/mypictures/inbox/view.html?id=4178126855&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imagestation.com%2Fpicture%2F sraid112%2Fpd011d95af29804632e90907807753c09%2Ff90 92807.jpg&caption=Mirror%20fished%202)

The cleaning left the cast aluminium pretty rough, and I did not want to put clear coating (which is always a bit yellow). I use specialized satin paint for aluminium wheels (Canadian Tire) on all those non polished area. The good news about it is that they are now very easy to clean. Brake dust is easy to remove, even in the little corners. The polished surfaces are only waxed. Lots of good comments about them :)

[Import_Eve]

I don;t mind chrome plating for that much...but for paint i could do it myself...

[Windecker]

Pdupler,
You are correct, the stock wheel has clear coating over the enitre exterior and between the spokes. The part that is un-machined (between the spokes, by the hub and behind the spokes) is "as cast" color meaning untreated from the casting process.
The problem is after bead blasting the casting to remove corrosion it brightens that area to a more silver type color and no longer matches stock. The solution is to paint that area after blasting and before re-machining and clear coating.
Keep in mind I have several perfect originals and two cars to split them up into. I don't want "different" appearances between them.

I never would have thought this would have been this hard to re-produce.

The one I got from Wheel collision looks great, just very bright between the spokes.

Import_Eve,
Where is "My Imagestation" and thanks for the comment.

Thanks for the input all!
Windecker

[pdupler]

There are lots of different media for blasting that produce different results. Filtered sand works great for a stock appearance (wheels I believe are sand-cast to begin with). More aggressive and finer media like Dupont Starblast will make aluminum look positively dull and grey. Bead blasting media is larger and surely would brighten the finish.

Phil D.

[Windecker]

Thanks for the tip. Is there different types or grades of the dupont starblast? If so which one do you use, PN if able.
We use the fine or medium glass bead here because we do so much aluminum. The heavier stuff just work hardens the aluminum way to much.
Thanks!
Windecker

[RedP85]

Where is "My Imagestation" and thanks for the comment.Just click on it (or right click copy paste...) www.imagestation.com hopefully the following link will bring you to the pics: http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287179027
It's in my album, redp85 (same id as here)

[Windecker]

Nice job on the wheels. I do like the polished look. Sort of a cross over between aftermarket and stock. Are you going to clear coat them over or keep em clean?

Is this imagestation a good place to put pictures of our cars or is there another more popular spot? I would like to post a couple of mine but not sure where to put them.

I talked a length with Transwheel yesterday regarding exactly how they restore the wheel and get the original color of the "as cast" areas. Long story but pdupler was pretty close. It actually involves many steps but they claim that they (Transwheel) uses the EXACT same process as they did when they were originally produced so the color and texture will be the same. Only difference is that they clear with powder coating and apply it at the rate of approx 5 mils where stock was approx 1 mil.
Also, they warrant the wheel for LIFE against any future corrosion.

Guess it does not matter if you don't care for the stock look though.

Windecker

[RedP85]

Are you going to clear coat them over or keep em clean? No ! I tryed on my "practice wheel" and I didn't like the result which is a yellowish reflection. I hope the non-machined surfaces, painted, will last well. I think that I will have to re-polish the un-protected areas once in a while. (Already 5 weeks now, and still OK.)

Phil D: yes it's a shame: painted the cast areas! but the match is good. I would not have done it otherwise....

Is this imagestation a good place to put pictures of our cars or is there another more popular spot? I would like to post a couple of mine but not sure where to put them. I had no trouble. It's just that I think people needs to register (free) to see something.

Only difference is that they clear with powder coating This is what I don't like: orange peel look. (my taste, others may vary !)

[Windecker]

Guys,
I got my "test" wheel back from Transwheel and it looks very nice. That heavier clear coating looks just fine and not all orange pealed. Nice job.

The "test" wheel I got from Wheel Collision looks great but as stated above is painted between the spokes and is slightly lighter in color than original. I may keep it and use it as a spare in the trunk but also may send it back.

Before I send it back I wanted to know if anyone wants it. I have $117.00 in it and only want my money back. You will see that they are out of them and currently charge $125.00 plus shipping for one (if they had it). They did a great job otherwise and I know some of you are not as worried about the original color as much as I am.

Once again, NO BIG DEAL if nobody wants it. I am just asking in case someone has been looking for one and not able to find it.

Best wishes all.
Windecker