SR5 wheel refurbishing

[1986DLX]

Hello,

I bought a set of early 90's "SR5" aluminum (four spoke, I think) for my 1986 4Runner. Now that I've cleaned them thoroughly, I realized that they won't come clean. There is pitting/discoloration in the aluminum.

Has anyone had these re-finished? I'd really like to go with the original look, and not have them powdercoated all one color. I had an estimate from a local shop to machine finish/paint... was like $800/set... ouch/no way.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Steven

 

[nortonian]

I plan on painting all my aluminum rims black. I got a matching rim from the junkyard and painted it with dupli-color self etching primer and dupli-color wheel paint from the auto parts store. It came out great. The key is to clean and degrease the wheel thoroughly and use multiple light coats. Just follow the direction on the cans.

 

[MONTYMTB]

Hello,

I bought a set of early 90's "SR5" aluminum (four spoke, I think) for my 1986 4Runner. Now that I've cleaned them thoroughly, I realized that they won't come clean. There is pitting/discoloration in the aluminum.

Has anyone had these re-finished? I'd really like to go with the original look, and not have them powdercoated all one color. I had an estimate from a local shop to machine finish/paint... was like $800/set... ouch/no way.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Steven

Good info here:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/165779-brians-duplicolor-3rd-gen-wheel-painting-how-story.html

 

[nortonian]

That's a good write up. I didn't try the clear coat. Is that necessary for protection and does it leave the wheel with a satin finish or does it make it gloss?

 

[papawhellie]

I guess it is a generational thing but I don't care for the blacked out look. I like the OEM wheels. The set I found wasn't bad but has some spots where the clear is not perfect. Just thinking out loud I am wondering if you could hand sand with 200/400/600 grit and use the spraymax clear. On a motorcycle forum I am on posters are using it with great results.

 

[1986DLX]

I guess I'm in the same generation as "papawhellie"! As I said, I'm looking for an original look also.

I may throw caution to the wind and try an aggressive cleaning with acid/whatever. Then see where I can go from there. I also thought about having them blasted.... hoping that the machined finish would still sort of be there?

 

[papawhellie]

Go to yamahaenduro.com and search spraymax. You may have to join. Its a finicky forum. Lots of old school talent and knowledge there. Beautiful resto's. I'll post a thread but I can't get on it at school. As I said finicky. I would hand sand. I know it is work but just roughing up and re-clear. Acid and aluminum :argue: