Steelies - what color?

wahoofan · 08-27-2007, 06:14 AM

I just lucked into a set of Porsche steel wheels

to use for autocross and I plan to repaint them. Any suggestions on a specific rattle-can paint that will closely match factory original?

yel911 · yel911's Garage

I went to my local Autobody supply store and asked them to color match my wheels. I brought them one before I sandblasted them. They might be able to mix some up and put in spray bombs. (rattle cans)

wahoofan · 08-28-2007, 03:32 AM

Any other suggestions for something off the shelf?

Also, this may sound basic, but I've never owned steel wheels before. Do I need to paint the entire wheel, or just the "face" of the wheel? Is surface rust on the part that goes "inside" the tire (where the air is) a problem?

yel911 · yel911's Garage

Usually you only sandblast the front and back. Not where the air goes.

Rich Lambert · Rich Lambert's Garage

wahoofan,

Try Griot's Garage silver wheel paint/clear lacquer combination. I painted some non p-car wheels with it and was very happy with the result.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.jsp?searchtext=wheel+paint

gunlover05 · 08-28-2007, 03:53 PM

I used Rustoleum 7777 on my fuchs....common for Fuchs DYI'ers....has a nice satin sheen, not too glossy...may be hard to tell @ black in the pic, with all the bling...

gunlover05 · 08-28-2007, 03:54 PM

by the way, Lowes is where I bought my Rustoleum 7777, so it must be relatively common...

Cooper911SC · 08-28-2007, 04:52 PM

I have used Autoglym 'wheel silver' out of a rattle can.

The Porsche silver code for most wheels is either 924 or 925. You can have a paint store mix it up. (See if you can get it in single stage, saves you from having to clear it)

Alternatively I have used Standox straight 590 silver toner for repairing wheels on later 993 and 996 cars. Seems to be a pretty good match when painting a partial wheel.

Good luck, Cooper

wahoofan · 08-28-2007, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the replys!
Does that mean that I can ignore light surface rust on the inner wheel(where the air is inside)?
Should I sand-blast, or just scuff-sand with paper?
Also, why would I paint the "back" of the wheel?

Cooper911SC · 08-28-2007, 08:41 PM

If you have light rust you should take care of it now. Inside and outside. Painting the backside of the wheel will freshen it up and make it easier to clean off any future brake dust build up. As far as rust inside of the rim you can probably just give it a light coat of primer.

I would start with either 220 or 320 sand paper dry, depending on how minor the rust is. Next I would use 500 wet to smooth out and feather edge any rough spots or chips. (If the wheel is relatively smooth you can skip the 500) I realize you aren't going for a concours finish...just race car good.

After sanding I would use a green scotch brite pad and AJAX to clean the wheel. Make sure to rinse it well and let it air dry in the sun.

Next you can use an adhesion promoter like Bulldog to help the primer stick better. Follow this with a general purpose primer like Krylon gray, UPOL High #5, or a similar product. The primer will fill in any minor sanding scratches and will give the color coat something to bond to.

Now just follow up with you top coat.

Cooper

barney911rs · barney911rs's Garage

You should clean and treat all the rust, no matter where it is like Cooper said. If these are only for AutoX, express yourself with a bright contrasting color. Why use a boring black or silver.