I have many a nick/chip/scratch on all the wheels but for the spare, which is immaculate. It's now in rotation, however, so it's going to have a pebble catch it wrong before long, I'm sure.

I'd really like to strip the finish off these, have one professionally repaired (rock on the freeway left a small dent in the edge of the rim), then polish them to a not-quite-chrome shine, clear-coat 'em, and run with it.

Any future damage is easier/less expensive to fix, and I think they'd look better.

However, there's is a layer of black something (epoxy primer?) under the paint, but on top of the aluminum. I took them to one guy who didn't know this was under OEM painted wheels, and he said, "yeah, that's going to take a day, each, to remove". He was quite helpful, actually, suggesting I find someone who'd bead (NOT sand) blast them to 'naked', then I could have at it.

Has anyone gone this route versus purchasing chromed ones? I'd really rather not have chrome, even PVD, because I can see brushing a curb within the first week, just because I'd have to have the entire thing refinished for the 1/2 inch rough spot.

However, nobody who does wheel refinishing wants to touch them. Have yet to find a bead blaster who'll answer the phone, but I'm still working on that.

 

Personally I think it would be easier to purchase a set of spokes (chrome, aluminum etc) locally or on-line instead of having your wheels refinish. Sometimes the wheels have to be shipped off and then tires remounted and balanced. Nothing like the originals. I've had my 460L over five years and my chrome wheels have some scratches but still looks great.

 

Hey mckelly

I didn't want to clutter your thread so I made a little diy thread on my refinishing I just did.

Id say go for it, do it yourself, it might take a little effort but is worth it in the end

 

Easier, maybe, but for five, I'm looking at close to $2K.

Nope!