Durability of DIY Painted Rims?

[Perfectlap]

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.

[porsche986spyder]

Hey djolmas, what kind of paint did you use?

[djomlas]

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

this is the indexcard method

and this is finished product

centercaps as well

this is after i put on the red stripe

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

[clb0099]

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!

[djomlas]

thx,
i actually took that just today

Originally Posted by djomlas

thx,
i actually took that just today

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

[djomlas]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

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

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

heres 2 more

[Perfectlap]

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

[djomlas]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

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

time and patience
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

[trube78]

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