Fuchs Wheel Finish

[BOPE]

I have an '80 SC with the original Fuchs wheels that have their finish worn in spots. The spokes and center cap are black and the outer rim is silver. It's the silver part that needs some work. There appears to be a silver coating/paint applied to the outer rim, which has worn off in several places; see pic.

Does anyone know what type of coating was applied to the outer rim?

Thanks!

Jason

[Ironman88]

What is anodization on Fuchs wheels?

A protective layer: Anodizing is an electrochemical process that forms a hard, natural oxide layer on the surface of the aluminum.
Enhances appearance: It gives Fuchs wheels their characteristic silk-gloss, durable, and corrosion-resistant finish.

Factory finish: The wheels are anodized at the factory to protect the polished aluminum, and the finish can be damaged by road grime or improper cleaning.

How to maintain the factory finish
Use protective products: Applying petroleum jelly periodically was a method recommended by Porsche to protect the anodized finish.
Avoid harsh cleaners: Most wheel cleaners can strip or damage the anodized layer. Stick to gentle cleaning methods to prevent clouding.

How to restore the finish
Professional stripping: A specialist will first strip the old finish using a process that includes preparing the aluminum and may involve etching to clean the surface.
Polishing and preparation: The wheels are then machined and polished to restore their original contours and surface quality.

Re-anodizing: A new layer of anodization is applied to create a fresh, factory-like protective coating.

[BOPE]

Originally Posted by Ironman88

What is anodization on Fuchs wheels?

A protective layer: Anodizing is an electrochemical process that forms a hard, natural oxide layer on the surface of the aluminum.
Enhances appearance: It gives Fuchs wheels their characteristic silk-gloss, durable, and corrosion-resistant finish.

Factory finish: The wheels are anodized at the factory to protect the polished aluminum, and the finish can be damaged by road grime or improper cleaning.

How to maintain the factory finish
Use protective products: Applying petroleum jelly periodically was a method recommended by Porsche to protect the anodized finish.
Avoid harsh cleaners: Most wheel cleaners can strip or damage the anodized layer. Stick to gentle cleaning methods to prevent clouding.

How to restore the finish
Professional stripping: A specialist will first strip the old finish using a process that includes preparing the aluminum and may involve etching to clean the surface.
Polishing and preparation: The wheels are then machined and polished to restore their original contours and surface quality.

Re-anodizing: A new layer of anodization is applied to create a fresh, factory-like protective coating.

Anodized coating certainly makes sense.

Thank you for that information!

Jason