Fuchs spray

83911sc · 07-10-2002, 04:43 AM

I'm looking at redoing my fuchs (black center, polished outer) - I've done a search and read the tech article, but I'm not up for the three hours per tire of stripping and sanding at this point in time due to other commitments, but I really don't like the dull greyish look of the tired wheels.

So, would it be a huge mistake to mask them off, do a really light sanding with 600 grit and spray? I should say that my wheels are not pitted or dinged, just a bit dingy.

My thoughts are that if they are not conours qualtiy, then I'm ok with that, and if they are not perfect, then I may not be that much worse off whenI do have to do the full strip.

Oh, one other question, what about a first coat of the paint gripper that is sold in the auto repair stores - has anyone used this.

Thanks for your input

Adam

GB83SC · 07-10-2002, 05:13 AM

Use electrical tape to mask the area near the spokes, I used Krylon satin black, light sanding with high grit and spray.

k9handler · 06:26 AM

Just did mine...sanded and polished the spoke section after strip down. Then masked and painted the black section.
Works for me! Krylon gloss black, and primer.
Check out the pics through the link below.
Wheel project DIY

88911coupe · 07-10-2002, 12:18 PM

I realize this is a sacrilege but what about just sand blasting the Fuchs to get a nice surface then having them spray painted silver (or whatever) similar to the all silver Fuchs Wheel Enhancement does (for a high price). Is there any reason this would not work? I may be alone here, but I have never liked the look of partially painted black Fuchs, but those WE silver Fuchs are stunning.
Thanks

speeder · 07-10-2002, 01:54 PM

Don't think that sand-blasting would be very smart, might damage surface of wheel. If you were just going to paint them, why would you have to strip first? They already have whatever paint-prep process on them that factory used, that's good enough for me. I've never seen a peeling fuchs, just faded/burnt off from age.

If you want to make them look new, just clean-up and spray paint centers. Any satin black will be close to original, if you want the best, (and original), use Wurth matte black(satin). About $11 a can, enough for 4 wheels. And no you don't need any special "gripper" stuff, just make sure they are very clean before painting. Use 600+ wet or dry, or synth. steel wool, (like a scrubby sponge), final rinse w/ clean water, let dry completely in hot sun and mask/spray. The job will last for many years.

88911coupe · 07-10-2002, 02:00 PM

Thanks for the comments but what I am trying to get away from is the black paint. The surface looks to me like it would take paint pretty well if is was thoroughly cleaned, as you suggested. Sounds to me like there's really no reason they could not be painted. Now that I think about it, the wheel is anodized, THEN painted so anodizing would not necessarily need to be removed before painting.
Thanks

JackT · 07-10-2002, 02:03 PM

The wheels were in really good shape but I wanted the centers to match my car color. I cleaned the centers real well with simply green and let dry, then taped with electical tape around the outer edge of center and mask taped the rest. My car is Rosewood which is a brown/maroon. I spray painted with 5 light coats and then put 3 coats of clear. They look great.

JackT · 07-10-2002, 02:11 PM

It took me a total of 2 hours from beginning to end.

83911sc · 07-10-2002, 06:40 PM

Thanks for the info- looks like a quick hit with 600 tape and spray - not as big of a job as I was worried about.

George - wow they look great! I hope mine turn out that well

K9Handler - I remember your post from about a week ago- I think that was the one that put the idea in my head.

If I get through it this week end, I'll post results

Adam