Durability of DIY Painted Rims?
 

Hello folks,

I have an '03 black "S" that I purchased earlier this summer. The rims are in decent shape, but have been "curbed" by the previous owner. Since I've had some "fix-up" body work done to the rest of the car, I've been contemplating painting the rims myself, or having them done professionally, to really get that "new car" look.

My question is, for those of you that have painted your rims yourself, what type of durability have you seen? Are you constantly touching up chips and/or scratches? Has anyone had a tire removed from a self painted rim? What did that process do to your handy work?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hey,
i painted my sisters wheels last summer, and her not being a car persone whatsoever, i dont even know why whe wanted black wheels, she washed her car i would say maybe 5 times from last summer, trough the winter, all the salt and grime, and just the other day i washed it for her, and i detailed it a few months or so, they still look same as the day i painted them. (and i must admit that i didnt do as good of a job as i was in a hurry kinda, so i feel even better about my wheels since i took 2 days to do the job and let the coats dry long enough).
so to sum it up, if you do a good job and let them dry good, you should be fine.
just take your time and you will get good results, people always ask me where i got them powdercoated at, and when i tell them that i did it myself they just dont believe me, so thats a proof that you can get outstanding and porsche community approved wheels.
let us know how it works out and post up some pics
DJ

Hi djomlas,

sounds very interesting.
Can you post some DYI instructions?

Thanks in advance
Chris

for your curbed wheels.

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/wheel-repair/wheel-scuff-repair.htm

if you paint the wheels yourself, make sure you spend at least 50% of your time cleaning the wheels in preparation of the painting. And paint in a clean room that is well ventilated without dust blowing around.
Tower Paint will sell you VIN# matched paint in a can if you want to paint interior bits as well.

Hey djolmas, what kind of paint did you use?

i used the Rustoleum Black. those realllly big cans of spray. i think i used 2 cans per wheel.
but, preparation is the key, you have to make sure that the wheel is completely dry and clean, even if you have to wash them 3 times, then do it.
i washed the wheels good, the scuffed them with some steel wool, then washed again, then let dry overnight to make sure ther was no water there inside the grooves anywhere.
in the morning the i woke up early, sprayed the back side of the wheels, i think 3 light layers, and then moved to the front.
i used the indexcard method, heres a few pics if you wanna see.
i put about 10 or so light coats, waited 15 minutes between the coats, and then one heave coat. let them dry for one day, then put them on. after 3 days or so i put the red stripe on.

this is after 2 washes and 1 hr per wheel of scuffing, and then washing again, and drying, left over night
http://i13.tinypic.com/4ddr4tw.jpg
this is the indexcard method
http://i15.tinypic.com/2h5jt6c.jpg
and this is finished product
http://i19.tinypic.com/2hwjo1i.jpg
centercaps as well
http://i17.tinypic.com/4fw99vm.jpg
this is after i put on the red stripe
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/5...7f7f3c0e_o.jpg
and one spinning, some on here dont like the stripe, but i think its bad ass and i get compliments on them all the time
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/...aaf9bd12_o.jpg

I had mine done at a body shop and they have held up for over a yr. I actually just passed my 1yr anniversary owning my boxster. Time goes by so fast when your spending money..lol

DJ, nice work! The spinning wheel photo is very cool!

how did you get the red stripe perfectly round like that?

thx,
i actually took that just today ;)

time and patience :cheers:
actually, i lifted one side of the car, and had the wheel spinning freely, then put one end on the wheel and slowly put the stripe on and turned the wheel at the same time, so you are kinda looking at the same spot all the time and put the stripe at the same spot...i dunno if that makes sense
BUT, i guess there is a pinstriping tool that you can buy to make it 'perfect' but its a bit pricy for what it is

DJ, how did you do it? Where you next to the Boxster in a different car...leaning over from your car...or photo-shopped?

Alloy Wheel Repair
 

If you want a factory finish, most large cities have alloy wheel repair places or a come to you van that can remove curb rash and make your wheels look perfect. If you are near Boston, Wheel Pro Inc in Tewksberry may help you out. Cost varies from about $50 to $100 per wheel (depending on the damage) and looks perfect on painted wheels. Brushed/Alloy finish/chrome wheels usually cost a few $$$ more and the repair is visible at about 1 yard if you know it was repaired. I have had two wheels done at different locations in the past that were perfect after the repair. Usually takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours per wheel -- from time off the car to time on. Some will even check/rebalance the wheel after the repair.

If you are in the do it yourself mode, there are a few websites that have great how-tos. Allow about two days to complete the repair, the shops will use quick drying paint and putty and are experienced at the process. I think Wurth makes paint/clearcoat that matches Boxster wheels exactly.

Hope this helps.

ATB,
Tom

its a secret Bill :)
no photoshop tho, its me driving the car btw

heres 2 more
http://i14.tinypic.com/5z5wigx.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/4klblkz.jpg