The finish on the stock wheels on my 2003 XK8 is wearing off in spots, especially on the front, driver-side wheel. Any thoughts on what might be causing it? Can they be refinished? Thanks.

 

Hi there, sorry to hear of your issues with your wheels

This could be down to many factors.

Brake dust / grime etc eating into the finish, acidic cleaners, tiny sratches etc allowing water ingress and or power washers will all have their part to play I'm sure.

Yes of course they can be refinished to any colour / style of your choosing as well as original.

The only comment I'd make s that from past experience it can be tough to match up colours, so generally speaking its best to either have the 2 refinished on the same side ( not the same axle ) or better still, refinish the set.

 

Caustic cleaners and even excessive brake dust can contribute to finish deterioration of painted wheels, nonetheless they can be saved. It can be a DIY project if you are so inclined, or there are professionals offering wheel reconditioning, powder coating is also an option.

Check to see if there is any curb damage, as now is the time to repair. I reconditioned mine at home, sanding wheels to factory primer, then repairing all curb damage using USC All Metal. I then primed, painted, cleared (Iwanted a gloss finish) and baked my final finish. The wheels now look brand new.

You could also check with your local paint and body shops, as I'm sure there are those that are capable of refinishing your wheels if you chose not to DIY.

Best to you,
BK

 

Maybe the salt air here in FL. I'm close enough to the ocean that the salt air causes a haze on my car's windows/paint. My '94 VDP stock wheels (and chrome) have suffered - my guess is that it's the same salt haze on them doing the damage. I've just acquried my XK, so no damage on its wheels - yet.

 

Are your wheels chrome or polished? Stock is polished/silver but some dealers had wheels chromed and sold them as an add on. My 03 has chrome Apollos and the chrome is coming off in sheets. When I need tires again I'm planing on getting rid of the chrome and going with silver but grey inserts.

 

Good point Jandreu, once oxidation begins to form on aluminum (it can get trapped under chrome plating or paint ), it will continue to grow until the chrome begins to delaminate, eating away at the aluminum alloy substrate.

Same happens to our painted window trims. Unprotected aluminum alloys are especially prone to oxidation problems. Salt air and road deicers can be a menace.

When painting, self etching primer is a must!

 

Guy your rims look great and if you have a link to the step by step instructions please post it.

 

call a rim shop or tire shop. There are plenty of rim refinishers in florida.

average high cost is $90-160 per rim to blast and refinish/minor curb rash repair. Only do the one you are concerned with first, the rest later, as you want to avoid shipping charges, so find a local shop.

Most rim/tire shops have this service in florida

 

Guy your rims look great and if you have a link to the step by step instructions please post it.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Juke, I'll try to put a tutorial with pics up in the next day or so.

 

Done a DIY refurbish myself a few times, not really that difficult if you have the time and a spare to use if your daily driver

The keys are....

1.Sand, sand and sand again to remove and old paint and provide a key for the primer.
2. Use filler to repair any kerbing / damage
3. Sand, sand and sand again
4. Use only top quality paints, the difference between cheap paints and quality products clearly shows in the process.
5. apply 2 or 3 coats or primer, then 2 or 3 coats of paint ensuring good coverage into ALL areas.
6. Apply lacquer, 2-3 coats

Job done

 

+1, well stated Jim!

 

Thanks for the response. Nice work on refinishing your wheels!

 

+1 Really good job