center wheel caps

[kiyakubuke]

when I bought my car the center wheel caps were in bad shape. faded,cracked and peeling. bought some cheap ones on ebay ($24 for set of 4). looked good, but after only 6 months. they are faded as well.
has anyone had similar issues with these caps? do the Porsche brand fade quickly as well?
I bought another set of ebay ones and hit them with coat of clear. we will see how that does.

[Slate 01]

Don't use harsh wheel cleaning products, or remove the caps before you use the wheel cleaner.

[Tucker2]

Mine have lasted a long time with no sign of fading. I wash my wheels with soap only.

[tommy986]

which ones on ebay did you get?
The ones I see all look to be the style for later cars. What year is your car?
Were they the correct size and fit snugly?
Could you post a picture of them on your car?

thanks

[kiyakubuke]

I ordered a new set from a US seller, when I got them I noticed that the stamped numbers on the back were identical to the original set. the set that faded, even though the part number was the same, looked different. guessing they were just cheap knockoffs. also, just for added protection, I hit the new set with a clear coat of High solids Urethane.

[tommy986]

do you have a link to the ones you just bought?

[kiyakubuke]

Originally Posted by tommy986

do you have a link to the ones you just bought?

Porsche Tequipment Concave Wheel Center Caps Panamera Cayenne Cayman Boxster 911 | eBay

[pussywillow1972]

I ordered these from Amazon. They matched the color of the wheels perfectly and fit snug. They are the newer style of center cap and look exactly the same as the caps on my Cayenne S in terms of crest colors and design. I like the look better than the original caps with the smaller crest and ring around the edge. For $28, I figured it was a cheap gamble but I'm very happy with them. I've had them on the car for a month and they still look perfect. We'll see how they hold up, but like others, I only use soap and water to clean the wheels.

Amazon.com: 4x Porsche Silver Wheel Center Cap Boxster Cayenne 911 993 996 997 HUB Racing: Automotive

[boxster6354]

Originally Posted by kiyakubuke

I ordered a new set from a US seller, when I got them I noticed that the stamped numbers on the back were identical to the original set. the set that faded, even though the part number was the same, looked different. guessing they were just cheap knockoffs. also, just for added protection, I hit the new set with a clear coat of High solids Urethane.

I did the same, got a can of UV clear coat spray and no fade.

[Pdwight]

My S Calipers are dull and faded, all the clear coat is gone. I was thinking about spraying them red with Caliper paint (after surface prep of course). I Was curious if you used the eBay decals or what ?

Also do you apply the decals and then a few coats of clear coat ?? I cant see a caliper decal lasting long in that environment.

I have some wheel clear coat...or is there a high temp type for calipers ??

Thanks in advance

Dwight

PS I did not mean to double post this

[kiyakubuke]

Originally Posted by Pdwight

My S Calipers are dull and faded, all the clear coat is gone. I was thinking about spraying them red with Caliper paint (after surface prep of course). I Was curious if you used the eBay decals or what ?

Also do you apply the decals and then a few coats of clear coat ?? I cant see a caliper decal lasting long in that environment.

I have some wheel clear coat...or is there a high temp type for calipers ??

Thanks in advance

Dwight

PS I did not mean to double post this

I would clear coat over the decals and use a high temp clear. RUST-OLEUM makes a clear engine enamel that would probably work well.

[Davev]

My idea is to take off the originals and keep them safely tucked away and use the cheap ones from Amazon.

Do like the Ferrari owners- save the good stuff for the next owner!

[Box4two]

I'm curious regarding the sizes on these caps, are they somewhat universal?
They seem to have 2 or 3 different sizes. Anyone have issues with the actual fit for your particular wheel?

[kiyakubuke]

Originally Posted by Box4two

I'm curious regarding the sizes on these caps, are they somewhat universal?
They seem to have 2 or 3 different sizes. Anyone have issues with the actual fit for your particular wheel?

I don't think they are universal, mine have a 986 part number, but the posting for them listed boxster, 911 and Cayenne with a pretty wide year range for all.

[Guvs]

This is the way I fixed the problem of fading centre caps.
Firstly scrape off the maroon colour and re paint it colour coordinated to your Boxster and lacquer to seal.




Jobs a good-un.
Guvs.

[Hogosha]

I bought a set off eBay (came with 4 valve stem caps) for the wife's Boxster as a Xmas present. I'm curious, when spraying with clearcoat, should I mask off and spray just the emblem, or coat the whole cap? And should it be gloss or satin?

[kiyakubuke]

Originally Posted by Hogosha

I bought a set off eBay (came with 4 valve stem caps) for the wife's Boxster as a Xmas present. I'm curious, when spraying with clearcoat, should I mask off and spray just the emblem, or coat the whole cap? And should it be gloss or satin?

I would spray the entire cap using a finish that is close to your wheels. ie. is the wheels are gloss, go gloss etc..

[Hogosha]

Originally Posted by kiyakubuke

I would spray the entire cap using a finish that is close to your wheels. ie. is the wheels are gloss, go gloss etc..

Thanks! Gloss it is then. I am having all 4 wheels refinished in the spring, so my be I will have them shoot the clear on them at the same time as the wheels.