ch@0s

I have started the process... The wheels are in great shape but peeling from the centers in a couple of spots. I plan on redoing them myself.

I have redone wheels in the past but never a 3 piece. The plan is to take them apart strip the centers and either repaint or polish them. where they are peeling the finish looks pretty smooth underneath.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

nutz4c4

Pics of peeling??

ch@0s

I figured i will do one at at time so with a E10 socket I took all the bolts apart. I drew an indicator line at the valve stem to realign it afterwords. I then cut the silicone bead with a razor and with a rubber mallet they came apart very easily.

ch@0s

ch@0s

Using air craft stripper to strip them

ch@0s

2 down to the metal...Polish?

5abivt

Pretty much covered right there ^^ !! I did the same.

ch@0s

I kinda like the bare metal look just like it is.

What do you think?

M1A

I like the bare metal look. I would polish them and see what that looks like.

Dt86

I think they could look good polished or painted. Do one of each and see what you like.

Cliff Harris

Years ago I had some aluminum wheels that were not coated. They oxidized over time and turned black. I had to polish them about every 6 months. Not coating them is OK if you are willing to do the maintenance...

WW7

I also like the bare metel look, but your going to have to clearcoat them to stop the oxidation....Good Job, I didn't know you were so talented........WW

TA

I'd polish the crap out of the hoops and paint the centers gloss black

ch@0s

I think I'm going to leave the center bare and clear them. The lips will be polished.

ch@0s

Thanks ...I can dance too.

-=Jeff=-

I had my centers refinished in silver

ch@0s

Those look great. I think Im going to try both and compare.

Dt86

Looks really good!

WVZR-1

I don't know that it's important now or not but if you were to want to change brake options later the centers could require relocation to the outer of the rims. It might be interesting to measure back-spacing/offset assembled both ways. Also if there were any reason to maybe change the tire/wheel placement in the wheelhouses now might be the time to determine that. Scott's are assembled that way and he mentioned in the other thread it was required for the C5 brakes?

I don't know that I would have separated the rim-halves but it's done now.

summerst

If you opt to go the rattle can route, I recommend
VHT Paints 11 Oz. Clear coat wheel paint (part number SP184). Four wheels took 2 cans. Bought the paint at Autozone for $6.99 per can. VHT also has a silver wheel paint if you want that look. I bought both but returned the silver as the aluminum polished up fine and is well protected by the clear coat. Was a good choice for me as that was last July and the rims on my son's Integra still look great.