C5 stock wheels need help
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 190
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Ohio
C5 stock wheels need help
This has bugged me since I bought my C5. The previous owner let someone put the weights for balancing on the outside. I am sure that it has damaged the surface. What are my options? Is it too expensive to have these wheels polished and clear coated?
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 666
Likes: 2
From: western springs illinois
I believe they came on the front from the factory
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 190
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Ohio
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
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If there are clearcoated, the BEST option is to have them stripped and powerdercoated clear. Much more durable but if they are the stocke clear coated wheels, probably cost more than you think there worth to do it.
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Sometimes you get lucky and when the weights are removed there is little to no damage to the surface of the wheel. Only way to find out is to just remove the weights and see what it looks like. If there is only a slight mar of the surface, try some mild scratch remover, similar to what you would use on the painted surface of your car.
Worse case scenario - have the clear stripped, polish up the wheels again and get them cleared. Could be a bit expensive though.
Worse case scenario - have the clear stripped, polish up the wheels again and get them cleared. Could be a bit expensive though.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
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From: Scottsdale AZ
There were several versions of "STOCK" wheels, wagon wheels, painted thin spokes, polished thin spokes with clearcoat, Magnesium,......
If there are clearcoated, the BEST option is to have them stripped and powerdercoated clear. Much more durable but if they are the stocke clear coated wheels, probably cost more than you think there worth to do it.
If there are clearcoated, the BEST option is to have them stripped and powerdercoated clear. Much more durable but if they are the stocke clear coated wheels, probably cost more than you think there worth to do it.
I'd suggest having a good tire shop carefully remove them, re-balance the wheels and put them on the inside. You should be able to use some adhesive remover and minimize the appearance on the outside.
Ultimately, you can address the issue of stripping off clear coat, polishing, etc . . .but if you're lucky, you should be fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
There have been a few people that have stripped the clear and polished the wheels without another clear coat. It can turn out great (actually better appearance than clear coated.)
The downside is that it will take more maintenance to keep them clean and polished.
The upside is that paint stripper is pretty cheap and you can do it at home. Any defects left from the weight can be polished out and look new again. I did this on some C4 wheels with good results. Try looking at Toque's web site for polishing tips.
Good Luck.
The downside is that it will take more maintenance to keep them clean and polished.
The upside is that paint stripper is pretty cheap and you can do it at home. Any defects left from the weight can be polished out and look new again. I did this on some C4 wheels with good results. Try looking at Toque's web site for polishing tips.
Good Luck.
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