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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Chuck Nukem on Tuesday,February 18, 2014, 09:24:05 PM

Title: Painting spider wheels
Post by: Chuck Nukem on Tuesday,February 18, 2014, 09:24:05 PM

Does anyone have a paint code to match the wheels to? Any tips or tricks? The grey inside the rim looks a bit lighter due to not being clear coated. I am planning to soda blast the wheels to remove the scale and paint chips. I have heard that clear coat and polished aluminum don't really stick to one another, and my wheels are proof of that! What have you guys done???

Title: Re: Painting spider wheels
Post by: Arizona on Wednesday,February 19, 2014, 06:59:51 AM

I refinished my wheels probably 30 years ago when the clear coat began to peel. I didn't like the gray so I can't help you there. I painted between the fins with aluminum Rustoleum from a spray can. The wheels are not clear coated and I've never had to do more than a bit of Mother's polish to keep them looking good.

Title: Re: Painting spider wheels
Post by: 3929R on Wednesday,February 19, 2014, 03:15:52 PM

Not sure it will help but coincidentally I just posted pics of my stock wheels for another owner.
http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=625.0 (http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=625.0)

Title: Re: Painting spider wheels
Post by: JLM on Friday,February 21, 2014, 11:12:33 AM

I've seen this Eastwood product on several wheels and it seems to be close to what the original charcoal  color was on the spider wheels. I'm planning on using this when I get my stock Twink wheels refinished.

http://www.eastwood.com/charcoal-gray-wheel-paint-set.html


 

Title: Re: Painting spider wheels
Post by: cal44 on Friday,February 21, 2014, 06:31:03 PM

I like Rustoleum.   The finish becomes quite hard.  Eastwood claims to have more solids than any rattle can.  It takes to long to cure and even then the finish is soft and will scratch with ease.

After getting the old finish off, masking will be the PITA as with all wheel.  Using the thin tape (1/16") is very helpful as the top of the fins have a step down before painted area.

I've always admired Fuchs wheels (Porsche).  Anodized black centers with clear anodized rims (pre 1990).

mike

Title: Re: Painting spider wheels
Post by: Chuck Nukem on Friday,February 21, 2014, 07:22:43 PM

I bought some charcoal grey paint for my hvlp gun from English color, but the mix had too much metal flake and was a bit dark. I am going to trade it in for a new mix. Maybe they will get it right this time. They last thing I want is for my wheels to look like the finish on a new kia.