1993 Ruby Red Center Caps - Clear Coat
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 909
Likes: 320
From: Kearney Missouri
1993 Ruby Red Center Caps - Clear Coat
I have a '93 Ruby Red (43k) with the OEM red center caps. The red paint on the caps are in excellent shape but the clear coat is starting to peel. Does anyone have a suggestion for safely removing only the clear coat without damaging the red paint so I can re-clear them? I've seen a NOS set on eBay but they're asking $250. And even really ones in bad shape have a high asking price - so I'd like to keep mine in perfect shape if I can.
I'm not sure what I should try to only remove the clear.
Thanks!
I'm not sure what I should try to only remove the clear.
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Is there a local auto paint supply store near you? If so you can take the paint code for your Ruby (68U or use the "WA" number found at the bottom of the RPO sticker) to them and they should be able to make a 16oz aerosol paint spray can in that specific color. A can with clear coat paint should be a shelf item for GM cars. Get a can of that along with a can of primer.
Carefully sand off all of the old paint from the caps. You will probably have to work with various grits that get finer each pass. Then spray a coating of primer followed by the base color coat letting everything dry between coats. You should apply 3-4 coats of color and let that dry. Then a light wet sanding with very fine grit to smooth everything out. Follow that with a few coats of clear.
Carefully sand off all of the old paint from the caps. You will probably have to work with various grits that get finer each pass. Then spray a coating of primer followed by the base color coat letting everything dry between coats. You should apply 3-4 coats of color and let that dry. Then a light wet sanding with very fine grit to smooth everything out. Follow that with a few coats of clear.
Racer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 350
Likes: 74
Is there a local auto paint supply store near you? If so you can take the paint code for your Ruby (68U or use the "WA" number found at the bottom of the RPO sticker) to them and they should be able to make a 16oz aerosol paint spray can in that specific color. A can with clear coat paint should be a shelf item for GM cars. Get a can of that along with a can of primer.
Carefully sand off all of the old paint from the caps. You will probably have to work with various grits that get finer each pass. Then spray a coating of primer followed by the base color coat letting everything dry between coats. You should apply 3-4 coats of color and let that dry. Then a light wet sanding with very fine grit to smooth everything out. Follow that with a few coats of clear.
Carefully sand off all of the old paint from the caps. You will probably have to work with various grits that get finer each pass. Then spray a coating of primer followed by the base color coat letting everything dry between coats. You should apply 3-4 coats of color and let that dry. Then a light wet sanding with very fine grit to smooth everything out. Follow that with a few coats of clear.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I have to agree that "removing" clear w/o touching the red can only be done by sanding.
There are a number of U-tube vids on refinishing wheels that may be of help with your decision.
There are a number of U-tube vids on refinishing wheels that may be of help with your decision.
