Prepping Wheels for paint...

[peng155]

If they are Enkei 92's (which is what they appear to be), and if the finish is still original, the outer rim would have been rolled, then polished, and then clear anodized. There should not have been any clear coat on them at all. The lips should have a moderately polished finish, but not quite as shiny as a normal polished aluminum rim.

If you de-wax the centers, you should be able to paint right over the gold finish. I'd probably scuff it with a scotchbright pad first, but that's all.

Thanks for the info... I always associated anodizing with coloring metal parts.... ya know like anodizing engine components blue, gold, red for show... never thought of clear anodizing... Learn something new here everyday

[Arne]

Thanks for the info... I always associated anodizing with coloring metal parts.... ya know like anodizing engine components blue, gold, red for show... never thought of clear anodizing... Learn something new here everyday

Same finish as used on the early Fuchs Porsche 911 mags. The spokes and lips of those were clear anodized as well.

[Arne]

I'm at the same place with almost the same wheel, what if the lip is not looking so good. I've played with some metal polish and it seems to make it look better. I guess that means they are polished? Can't really tell. Anyone know of rim resto guys(preferably SE region)?

Got any pictures of your rims? I can better advise if I know exactly what you have.

[2003z]

powdercoating is more durable than painting, but unless you have a local powdercoater that you trust, you are better off going to a body shop. If you have to ship them to be coated, its not worth it. (and thats coming from a professional powdercoater).

Either way, I would strip them with either aircraft stripper or media blasting, repolish the lips, paint or powdercoat the centers your color of choice and then clearcoat the entire wheel, paint or powder, again.

[sakijo]

What are some product names for wax and grease remover? I have asked at local HW stores and they look at me like they have never seen a dumb human before.

I usually use Final Wash from NAPA. I think the DuPont product is called Klix. There was one called Prep-solv too, I think.