Alloy wheel finishes

[Marsh]

After much consideration, I think that I'd like to have my narrow Halibrands refinished to look 'as cast', with dull rims and centres and in an ideal world, they'd take on the appearance of bare magnesium.

I've toyed with painting them satin black or even perhaps dark gold and whilst either could look absolutely stunning, I keep coming back to a bare finish as potentially ideal.

Does anyone have any insight as to who who assist me with achieving this finish accurately, or is it just a case of taking them to a reputable alloy wheel restoration specialist and talking to them individually? I used Melton Alloy Wheels to restore my last set of Halibrands and they did a great job.

Any personal insight would be most welcome as the more I think about it (and I'm thinking about it a LOT), I think that getting the wheel finish absolutely right is going to be key to the success of the completed car.

Marsh

[StewbieC]

I'd give them to an alloy refurbisher as you've suggested. At least they should know what they are doing.

[catsx11]

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[Marsh]

Thank you gentlemen - Alan; I hadn't seen that site before - makes for interesting reading and Stu, that's good advice.

I was aware of the Dow 7 process from he various hot rod sites and may yet give serious consideration to a gold finished wheel (or even satin black), subject what colour the car will ultimately end up, or if I am unable to find a suitable 'raw' finish for my allow wheels that successfully gives the appearance of magnesium.

I would prefer the latter finish, as it gives me more choices of body colour as dull magnesium pretty much goes with all colours, whereas painted wheels don't.

If only I had access to a Cobra configurator; hours of fun on these dark winter days...

Marsh

[agnoraan]

It might be a thought to have them blasted and let the aluminium grow old gracefully. Once it reaches the aged look that you like, which it will over time, lacquer them with a bare metal matt or satin lacquer to protect them from the elements and losing "that look"
Nige

[Marsh]

Hello Nige

Liking that...

[peterc]

I think most of the originals did have the raw metal look. Only corporate racers like Alan Mann Racing had the painted gold wheels. If you chose to keep the 'as cast' look as I did then I suggest that you don't let them out on the road for too long as the rain, general road grime and brake dust will soon affect the Ali and not necessarily evenly all over. I lacquered mine during the build and before the tyres were fitted. They have now gained an amount of patina which makes them look a little older but not necessarily 1964.
Peter C

[Marsh]

Thanks Peter,

As someone who displays genuine OCD tendencies (just ask Paul), it would be most amusing for casual observers to see how I cope with watching the wheels take on a patinated appearance without me twitching! Perhaps I can set up a video blog while the process is ongoing.

I want the wheels to look authentic for a road (rather than show or race) car in period, so I want to avoid wheels that are too pristine. I think this is potentially a practical and cost effective route to achieve that and of course, if I'm not ultimately happy with how they're weathering, I can always get them refinished with a matt, powdercoat surface as an alternative and the more I think about a dull gold finish, the more I like it, well, today I do at least!

I'll stop whittling and focus my attention on what colour the car is going to be instead.

Marsh

[Colin Newbold]

I'll stop whittling and focus my attention on what colour the car is going to be instead.

Marsh

Get a vinyl wrap Lee. You could change it once year for four years for the price of a paint job

Also, I'm thinking of changing my OCD 'handle'... I'm completely outclassed in this community.

[Paul Blore]

Colin,

Let me know if you'd like to change your forum name and I'll do it for you.

I'd like to encourage members to use their actual names so that we all know who we're "talking" to.

Paul