Refinishing wheels

[Keith V.]

Hello All. I searched here for some information, but could not find any previously posted advice. My 1973 1.7 914 has OLD tires and before I have new ones mounted, I want to have the wheels refinished. (I intend to have it done professionally.) Any advice for keeping as close to the original color and finish? Also, any advice on tires is appreciated. This is a "Garage queen" that gets rarely driven.
Thank you.

[Matt Monson]

Weidman Wheels in CA.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

What wheels are they? Steel? Alloy? Are they Mahle, Pedrini, Fuchs, or an aftermarket wheel?

--DD

[Keith V.]

Hello Dave. You helped me many years ago with my speedometer. Thanks for the reply. These are the Mahle wheels. I would just like to have them restored to their (Or as close to) their original finish. I do not want to do the spray can thing.

[Keith V.]

Was the original paint a non-metallic silver?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Yes, a non-metallic silver. I believe that there is a Wurth silver product that is highly-regarded in PCA concours circles for such use.

If you want a non-factory finish, these wheels can pop if you polish the whole surface. But that is very non-factory in appearance, and can be an immense amount of work. Some people also pick out details with gray paint, or with paint to match the body, but again that is a non-factory appearance.

I think this has the paint I have heard of: 1974 Porsche 914 4-cyl Targa - Miscellaneous - Page 15

--DD

[Keith V.]

Thank you, Dave. I knew you would have the answer. As long as I have your attention......any ideas where I can find a replacement air filter for my '73 1.7L 914?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Nope. I know that there is some filter out there that fits but is a little too short, but I don't know what filter that is.

--DD

[Coloradocurt]

You might want to check with Rick at Fuchs Restoration. He does work 2nd to none, acceptably fast turn time and fair prices.
https://www.fuchsrestoration.com/

[Tobra]

Fuchs and Mahle wheels are completely different though, different construction and different finish.

[stevie 77 930]

i had mine powdercoated silver. The look is fantastic, the finish is super durable.
Mounted a set of 195/65/15 michelins.
Other options include what has been mentioned about painting, have a professional shoot the finish with a coat of clear. .

[Keith V.]

Thank you all for your advice.

[Keith V.]

Another question. The Mahle wheels from my car are the originals. Are these magnesium or aluminum? The reason I ask, is I left one with a wheel refinisher today as he said he will have to test it. If it is magnesium, they will not refinish it, as he said the stripper they use will ruin the wheel.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

As far as I know, they are cast aluminum. The five-lug Mahles were magnesium, but not these that I know of.

--DD

[Tobra]

Mahle 4 lug are low pressure cast aluminum, 5 lug are magnesium

[Jack Stands]

A powdercoating outfit in St. Charles (Speed Coating) is running a special on powdercoating for $50/wheel. I've not used them, but it seems like a great option for your Mahles. The Wurth paint outdoor probably be closest to original, but powder coating should hold up better.

[Arne2]

I painted some phone dials for a 944 last year, just used off the shelf spray cans. When using spray can silver, you really need a top coat to protect the silver. In my case, I used Krylon "Cast Aluminum" with Krylon "Satin Clear" on top. The satin clear was a good choice, didn't make the wheels look artificially glossy.

[Keith V.]

Hello Jack Stands and Arne2. Thank you for the replies. I decided to go the paint can route and ordered and received the Wurth silver and clear coat from Pelican. I have three of the five wheels finished with new tires mounted. They turned out very well. I was surprised at how light (In color) the Wurth Silver paint was. Much lighter than the existing color on the wheels. But for sure, that $50 price is very good. I was quoted $150 apiece from another shop. The Good Year tires I replaced were 23 years old. And Jack Stands - you are very close to me. I have not seen another 914 in the Chicago area in years! Best regards.

[Keith V.]

Hello All. The wheels are done, and I want to refinish the small center caps now. They were a semigloss black. Was that the original color? Thank you for your replies.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

They were originally shiny anodized aluminum. I believe that 914rubber makes repros that are good quality and fairly close to original.

--DD