Grand Sport OEM Wheel Question
#1
Grand Sport OEM Wheel Question
Guys,
I picked up a large bolt in one of my tires that now has to be replaced on my 2010 Grand Sport.
In the middle of replacing the tire, I noticed how much grime has built up in the wheel barrel that is tough to reach while the tires are mounted, so I pulled all,the wheels to give them a good cleanup. While I’m cleaning these, I see corrosion that is beginning to pop the coating off the barrel of each wheel. I need to address this before it gets worse so I’m looking for some direction on how to tackle the repair.
What is this coating on the wheel barrels? It doesn’t seem to be paint. It appears to be a metallic coating that is coming off in flakes that feel like metal.
Have any of you tackled this before? Could you share how you restored your wheels?
Thanks for your help.
I picked up a large bolt in one of my tires that now has to be replaced on my 2010 Grand Sport.
In the middle of replacing the tire, I noticed how much grime has built up in the wheel barrel that is tough to reach while the tires are mounted, so I pulled all,the wheels to give them a good cleanup. While I’m cleaning these, I see corrosion that is beginning to pop the coating off the barrel of each wheel. I need to address this before it gets worse so I’m looking for some direction on how to tackle the repair.
What is this coating on the wheel barrels? It doesn’t seem to be paint. It appears to be a metallic coating that is coming off in flakes that feel like metal.
Have any of you tackled this before? Could you share how you restored your wheels?
Thanks for your help.
#2
Melting Slicks
Not sure what is coming off. My barrels are chrome, as are the wheels, but GM painted the barrels a light grey. Yes, they painted over chrome. Some blokes on here have stripped the grey paint to expose the chrome. Others have painted them black. Next time I have them off, I will likely paint them black. YMMV.
Last edited by jimijam; 11-23-2020 at 11:48 PM.
#3
It does appear there is chrome under this grey coating. I’m seeing a significant amount of peeling and spots where the grey is bubbling loose from the wheel.
any insight on how to remove the grey paint safely?
any insight on how to remove the grey paint safely?
#4
Melting Slicks
Below is one way, but there could be others. If there is one, I'm sure @Corvette ED will post it for us because he's got a memory like a computer.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...me-gumbys.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...me-gumbys.html
The following 2 users liked this post by jimijam:
gchasvette1 (11-24-2020),
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#5
Melting Slicks
It is the chrome that is flaking off.It isn't very thick as they weren't too concerned about the inner barrells.I cleaned mine with a scotchbrite pad and painted them with flat black paint.Makes the outer spokes really stand out.Also hides the brake dust on the inner wheel.
Last edited by jamieo; 11-23-2020 at 08:08 PM.
#6
Drifting
I did not know that it was chrome underneath. When I had new tires mounted, I thoroughly cleaned the barrel and completely removed the stick on weights. I did make a few shiny spots but I assumed that it was polished aluminum. I used grey primer paint and it was close enough that they shiny spots don't show from the outside. Would like to see a few side by side to see what looks best. I assume that GM thought that dull grey was good.
#7
Melting Slicks
Maybe they thought chrome that wasn't regularly cleaned would rust, but paint wouldn't?
#8
Safety Car
Member Since: Aug 2017
Location: Etobicoke (Toronto) Ontario
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I used 3M adhesive remover to get rid of the residue left by previous weights. It also removed the factory paint, but I was planning to paint the barrels, so I was good with that. This product
covered really well, and has stood up very well. It was the exact color I was looking for.
covered really well, and has stood up very well. It was the exact color I was looking for.
Last edited by FatsWaller; 11-23-2020 at 11:48 PM.