Winter Project: Painting Wheels

[Uncle Bob]

I have stock 17" S wheels that came on the Boxster that I use for Winter tires. So, when they went on it was time to repair and paint the SSR 18" wheels I use for Summer. Both the wife and I had curb rashed the front wheels so it was really a no brainer. They are for intents and purposes 2 piece wheels. The hubs are 2 part, but welded together. All I did was unbolt everything, sand it up and prime it. Here's what they looked like brand new and unmolested!

[Uncle Bob]

Sanded and primed:

[Uncle Bob]

Top coat applied and 3 coats of clear. Drying, curing reassembly and tire mounting/balancing is next!

[ddb]

Nice job Uncle Bob! I think they will look great reassembled and mounted. I guess we will have to wait until Spring to see them on the car.

I like the darker color. What color is it and did you use a spray can? What torque will you use on the fasteners that attach the two parts?

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by ddb

Nice job Uncle Bob! I think they will look great reassembled and mounted. I guess we will have to wait until Spring to see them on the car.

I like the darker color. What color is it and did you use a spray can? What torque will you use on the fasteners that attach the two parts?

I used loctite blue and I'll have to check, I used 2 settings. One for the studs and one for the screws.

All balanced and new tires mounted. Since these really suck at low temps, I'll wait till Spring to mount.

[ddb]

Looking forward to seeing them installed this Spring. I think the contrast between the wheel color and the car will look great!

[Uncle Bob]

Well, the weather report for the next week is over 40F for lows, so I fit the new wheels on...

[ddb]

Bob,

I think they look great! I've always loved that wheel and IMO the dark version looks terrific on your silver car. I really like the contrast.

BTW, I don't think I've ever seen another 987 with a hardtop. Really looks good!

I have a set of Michelin Pilot Sports on another set of wheels. My recollection is the tread pattern went the other way. Are yours mounted properly or am I'm just confused?

ddb

[porsche986spyder]

Very nice! Is that a metallic black you used? Now you just need to de-amber those side markers.

[Grizzly]

Now I remember who bought that house I loved so much. I couldn't remember for the life of me!

Oh yeah, the wheels look great too!

[fatmike]

Nice!


Can you tell us more about your technique?

How did you sand (by hand, machine, etc.). What paper/grit combos? Did you have to repair any roadrash? If so, how?

What primer/paint did you use? Where did you get it? How did you apply it?

[humara]

hey there,
just have to say that your car is looking sharp.
didn't think i was going to like the rims until you showed the finished project.
nice work.
i know they're 18s but can you post the tire sizes and the rim offsets/widths if you know them.
thanks

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by ddb

Bob,

I think they look great! I've always loved that wheel and IMO the dark version looks terrific on your silver car. I really like the contrast.

BTW, I don't think I've ever seen another 987 with a hardtop. Really looks good!

I have a set of Michelin Pilot Sports on another set of wheels. My recollection is the tread pattern went the other way. Are yours mounted properly or am I'm just confused?

ddb

Hey, you had me wondering as well, and after a comparison..., they are mounted incorrectly. :troll: :troll: :troll: :ah: :ah:
Back to the garage I go!!!.. Glad I have all I need in a nice warm garage at home


I tell ya, guys. This is what I really love about forums. We all help each other. Most always in a kind and sincerely helpful way. Man, that's really appreciated, ddb!!

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by porsche986spyder

Very nice! Is that a metallic black you used? Now you just need to de-amber those side markers.

Believe me, it's exactly what I thought when i looked at it in the driveway..."deamber...OK, I've held out long enough!"

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Now I remember who bought that house I loved so much. I couldn't remember for the life of me!

Oh yeah, the wheels look great too!

Ha, ha...thanks! We love the place. It backs up to Loomis Trail Golf Club, too. My backyard is always mowed!

Originally Posted by fatmike

Nice!


Can you tell us more about your technique?

How did you sand (by hand, machine, etc.). What paper/grit combos? Did you have to repair any roadrash? If so, how?

What primer/paint did you use? Where did you get it? How did you apply it?

Sure, but you may be surprised!
First and foremost? I super cleaned everything with an orange based cleaner 3 times to get rid of all the brake dust and road grime. Then I used Acetone to final clean before I ever started sanding anything.
I used an 80 grit sandpaper wheel on a portable drill to get rid of the curb rash. I hand sanded everything down to 1000 wet starting at 400/600/800/1000 depending on how bad it was and when I was doing it.
For paint I use Rustoleum...Yup From Sandable primer, Metallic Black to Clear Enamel! All from Lowes for probably $6/can. I do use a spray attachment that plugs onto the top which helps spray technique. But also important, I warm every can of paint up in warm water and double shake prior to each time I shoot. I use many thin coats. I bet there are 10+ coats on these guys!

Hope that helps.

Originally Posted by humara

hey there,
just have to say that your car is looking sharp.
didn't think i was going to like the rims until you showed the finished project.
nice work.
i know they're 18s but can you post the tire sizes and the rim offsets/widths if you know them.
thanks

The wheels are SSR GT-10's The tires are 265/40/ZR/18 back and 235/40/ZR/18