Update on DIY BBS RA Wheel refurb

[Dec]

Awesome work on them dude! I really need to refurb my new wheels as they are all curbed pretty badly, but too chicken!

How did you get the curbing smooth? I think I would need to file it down before putty any sort of putty/filler stuff on it

Any links/list of the products used at all please?

[SoundillusioN]

Got some good links on another computer somewhere for when i get round to it but goodle is your friend, loads of forums have had guides posted on! 

here's one i just found.

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=187250&highlight=wheel+refurb

[SoundillusioN]

Nice job.. If you do decide to 2 tone them, you MUST paint the silver first! otherwise successful masking will be almost impossible...
masking RA's is actually very easy, with a roll of 3M fine line masking tape (3mm) as said paint silver first, leave over night, mask silver up to the sharp line in the casting, paint the other colour, remove masking, then lacquer the whole lot... doddle!
looking forward to seeing them finished, whatever you decide..

Here's a pic of mine I did some weeks back, polished rim, new BBS valves and center caps, and black bolt covers to finish (from dealer, 79p each)




Thom

aaahhh so its done with super thin tape around the bottom of the spokes.. thats a great tip thanks!

[Dec]

Got some good links on another computer somewhere for when i get round to it but goodle is your friend, loads of forums have had guides posted on! 

here's one i just found.

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=187250&highlight=wheel+refurb

Thanks dude, I have had a look about and they do all seem to give the same sort of advice as that link

If anyone is able to read my essay post here: http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=169318.0 and lend some useful advice on what I need to buy, it would be most appreciated! However I feel that I just need to give it a go and get on with it!

[Thom89]

Nice job.. If you do decide to 2 tone them, you MUST paint the silver first! otherwise successful masking will be almost impossible...
masking RA's is actually very easy, with a roll of 3M fine line masking tape (3mm) as said paint silver first, leave over night, mask silver up to the sharp line in the casting, paint the other colour, remove masking, then lacquer the whole lot... doddle!
looking forward to seeing them finished, whatever you decide..

Here's a pic of mine I did some weeks back, polished rim, new BBS valves and center caps, and black bolt covers to finish (from dealer, 79p each)




Thom

aaahhh so its done with super thin tape around the bottom of the spokes.. thats a great tip thanks!

Another of my trade secrets revealed.... perfect edges every time, just press it on, till it changes colour (sort of) and you'll know its doing its job properly
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3M-FINE-LINE-MASKING-TAPE-3mm-x-55m-6520-/380275228646?pt=UK_Body_Shop_Supplies_Paint&hash=item588a2b7fe6

Thom

[jeremybarker]

Well here's the wheels after 2 coats of silver, thought the second coat may have lightened the colour a smidge but it's stayed the same, not sure whether they're too dark or not?

Any comments greatly appreciated before i put the clear coat on.

How much lighter will they go with the lacquer, still in two minds about finding a lighter silver.





They're not perfect but i'm still pleased with the results and they'll look alot better than the old rims.

[jeremybarker]

Wheels have been given three coats of clear now, beeing a noob at this i didn't realise clear is alot thinner than paint so i might have to rub down a couple of bits and re-do them.

I stood the rim on a box to see what it'll look like against the car, let me know what you think, too dark or fine as they are?

[Phil1980]

I think they look bloody good, they may be a sha.de darker than standard but its not that noticable.  Good job

[SoundillusioN]

I think they look bloody good, they may be a sha.de darker than standard but its not that noticable.  Good job

agreed, great work.... in daylight they look awesome.

[Thom89]

They look a little dark to me, but that's my opinion, and not a criticism... If you want lighter, and closer to OE, then re coat them in Mercedes Brilliant silver 744, this will give you a bright clean look, great job though, prep work looks as good as you'll get anywhere
Edit, lacquer wont change the colour at all!
Thom,