DIY Wheel Refinishing
11-07-2011, 05:58 PM
#41
Senior Moderator
Awesome job, 
11-07-2011, 08:11 PM
#42
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
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Thanks again for the all compliments!
Interesting. No I haven't sprayed the clear on yet because it's been chilly here in AZ the past few days, so I was waiting until it warms up a bit later this week. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm going to start with the backs so if I get the same dripping issue maybe I'll try a different brand. Thanks for the heads up though!
I don't doubt the regular pink stuff would work, I just figured I'd suggest using what I used in case someone used the pink stuff and it didn't hold up. But again, I'm sure it would do the job as well unless the shop putting the tires on is careless and does a sloppy installation.
Did you already apply the Duplicolor clearcoat? I tried refinishing a set of TL wheels. For the most part it went ok. I got a few runs when I was applying the color. But when I applied the clear, I got runs like crazy. No matter how thin I applied it, it would run like water! I gave up and had the wheels powedcoated lol.
I have seen people use fiberglass filler and have it stay on. In fact the style 37's I am re doing had plenty of normal pink bondo on them when I stripped them, and I think the repairs were 2 or 3 years old.
Anyway. I ended up using a 2 part epoxy that is used for bonding metal together, but is still sandable and paintable .
Anyway. I ended up using a 2 part epoxy that is used for bonding metal together, but is still sandable and paintable .
Last edited by SuperTrooper169; 11-07-2011 at 08:15 PM.
11-09-2011, 09:40 AM
#43
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Great job
Another option for filler is a product called Lab Metal. Its a two part mixture thats pretty good at filling cracks. You can powdercoat over it as well - from what Ive been told only certain Bondos can be powdercoated.
Another option for filler is a product called Lab Metal. Its a two part mixture thats pretty good at filling cracks. You can powdercoat over it as well - from what Ive been told only certain Bondos can be powdercoated.
11-09-2011, 09:53 AM
#44
Moderator
Interesting. No I haven't sprayed the clear on yet because it's been chilly here in AZ the past few days, so I was waiting until it warms up a bit later this week. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm going to start with the backs so if I get the same dripping issue maybe I'll try a different brand. Thanks for the heads up though!
11-09-2011, 02:46 PM
#45
In the Mid-South meow
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Probably spraying them this afternoon since it's warm enough and I'll have just enough day light left to get them done. Tomorrow at the latest. I have an appointment Saturday at Discount Tire to get tires put on, so I need to get them done asap.
11-09-2011, 03:01 PM
#46
Moderator
Good luck! I'm looking forward to seeing them on the car.
11-09-2011, 06:51 PM
#47
06 Anthracite TL
I would say 'outstanding' for your first time doing this, and even if it was your 50th- amazing results. A reconditioned wheel done professionally costs $160 (I know as I scraped up one ~ 2 years ago), so you did fantastic for all 4 price wise.
11-09-2011, 08:05 PM
#48
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Thanks T! I got them all cleared tonight, the last few coats in the dark lol. But get this, it actually worked out technique-wise better doing it that way. With clear coat it can be difficult to see how heavy you're laying it on until it's too late and things start dripping or the coat is uneven, but because I was forced to use a flashlight due to the sun going down, the direct beam of light aimed at where I was spraying gave me a perfect look at how much clear was in each area and I was able to make the coat perfectly even!
You should come up to Pavilions one of these Saturdays and we can chill checking out the amazing cars that go up there. I'm 99% sure I'll be going there this Saturday pending any showers. Let me kwow if you're interested. Or we could meet for lunch again. Lobster tacos are back at Rubios!
Oh that's right you don't like seafood lol.
Thanks very much! Very kind words. 
You should come up to Pavilions one of these Saturdays and we can chill checking out the amazing cars that go up there. I'm 99% sure I'll be going there this Saturday pending any showers. Let me kwow if you're interested. Or we could meet for lunch again. Lobster tacos are back at Rubios!
Oh that's right you don't like seafood lol.
11-13-2011, 08:41 PM
#51
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
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UPDATE... The wheels are being sent out for powder coating tomorrow courtesy of Discount Tires. FML.
11-13-2011, 08:57 PM
#52
Moderator
11-13-2011, 09:16 PM
#54
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
A shop damaged my wheels AFTER they were powdercoated. They had to be sandblasted down and redone before I could have them remounted.
11-13-2011, 09:17 PM
#55
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
They literally screwed the paint up around the lug holes when they used a rubber twist on adapter to secure them to the machine during the spin balance. I knew something was up when there was multiple people crotched down at the front of my car. I do still love Discount Tire. They're taking care of me and I'll end up hopefully having a longer lasting finish. I just hope the powder coater they're sending them out to can match the final finish. 
11-13-2011, 09:39 PM
#57
Drifting
I applied both of the products to a metal table that has plenty of gouges from a grinder and a went back a few days later with an assortment of picks and hammers.
Forget anything I ever said about the epoxy. It's much harder to dent and get loose, but once it is chipped the whole piece will come out. The 3m/Bondo product is a bit softer but sticks better after taking a little abuse.
Forget anything I ever said about the epoxy. It's much harder to dent and get loose, but once it is chipped the whole piece will come out. The 3m/Bondo product is a bit softer but sticks better after taking a little abuse.
11-16-2011, 11:23 AM
#58
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
The wheels got back from the powdercoater and were mounted this morning. Sorry for the cell phone shots, I'll try to get some better ones this weekend. The powdercoat came out 100x better than I expected. They matched the color exactly (the center caps are painted with the original paint and it's dead on) but now there's a much glossier finish to them. Looks OEM. I still can't believe I didn't have to pay for it. 
11-16-2011, 11:45 AM
#59
Moderator
^^^Looks good!
11-16-2011, 11:59 AM
#61
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Looks great. Needs a drop though.
11-16-2011, 12:32 PM
#63
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Thanks everyone. I'm definitly pleased with the results even after the slight delay.
How did I know that was coming lol. It's not out of the question but I'm just not feeling the H&R springs, they're too much of a drop, and there's really no other decent option out there for MS6 springs. Until they come out with a less aggressive drop I'll be keeping it stock ride hight. Hey at least it's a real 4x4!
How did I know that was coming lol. It's not out of the question but I'm just not feeling the H&R springs, they're too much of a drop, and there's really no other decent option out there for MS6 springs. Until they come out with a less aggressive drop I'll be keeping it stock ride hight. Hey at least it's a real 4x4!
11-16-2011, 02:56 PM
#65
In the Mid-South meow
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11-16-2011, 08:27 PM
#69
Moderator
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Congrats! They turned out great!Same thing happened to me when I wanted to get my A-Specs done. I had huge brochures in my hands along with a centercap trying to match the color. Make sure you pick a color while in the sun and NOT indoors. I picked a color inside that I loved and I took it outside and hated it.
11-16-2011, 08:42 PM
#71
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
I think you should trade your current RX8 wheels for the new ones..
Love em!
Love em!
The following 3 users liked this post by CLtotheTL32:
11-16-2011, 08:45 PM
#72
Same thing happened to me when I wanted to get my A-Specs done. I had huge brochures in my hands along with a centercap trying to match the color. Make sure you pick a color while in the sun and NOT indoors. I picked a color inside that I loved and I took it outside and hated it.
11-17-2011, 10:11 AM
#74
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Yeah those are SICK! Those are the RX8 R3s, which are 19" and highly sought after. Good luck finding a set for under $2000. The 2nd Gen MS3 and regular RX8 has a similar design but in 18" but they're a lot heavier than the 1st Gen RX8 wheels I have, but yeah, they look awesome.
11-17-2011, 01:32 PM
#75
I think the RX-8 wheels you have on there look great as is. I've always liked them. Great job and thanks for the write up, I would have believed you if you said this was your 5th or 6th time refinishing a set of wheels.
11-17-2011, 02:09 PM
#76
They really look great T!
11-17-2011, 04:28 PM
#77
In the Mid-South meow
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^ Thanks guys!
11-18-2011, 09:36 AM
#79
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
^ I think it said to let it sit and bubble for about 10 minutes before you start scraping.
11-19-2011, 10:36 PM
#80
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
For those who aren't subscribed to my other thread, here's some better shots of the wheels...
