I have the original factory alloy SS rims for my 97 SS camaro. But they are worn out and it's noticable that whatever finish was on them is wearing out.

I don't realy want to buy new ones, I like the original SS alloys and I want to refinish them to their original state.

Is there anyway to do it? I'm not sure what to buy. I just want them refinished back to their original state. Like this:



I'm thinking that I'm going to need some heavy duty chemical to get off all of the brake dust/dirt/grime/etc. And probably sand paper. But as far as paint? or refinish? How do i do it, what product do i need?

I'm not sure where to start. If you guys could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

 

Find a powdercoat shop in you are area, and get it done right. I paid $70 per wheel a couple of years ago to refinish my 18"SSR's which I've had since 1999 and it was worth every cent it cost.

 

what do yo u think about gettins some of these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/17-Si...Q5fAccessories

looks identical to the SS rims without the logo. Hmm...for 70bux to powdercoat the rims, it's about 300 bux. Might as well pay the extra 79 for new ones right?

 

Sounds like a good idea, but IMO I would still go with the factory wheels, for one thing the factory wheels are usually stronger and lighter, and second getting them powder coated the finish will usually be a better quality then the OE reproduction wheels will have.

 

thanks for the advice bluz

 

My original SS rims look like crap after 12+ years of rocks and gravel chipping away at them, even after a nice wash

 

I think you might want to do a little research before claiming Stock is king here

My OE Wheels (18" C5 Z06s) weigh the same weight as my original 16s, Finish is very good (No chips or rash in 2 summers) and I'm sure just as sturdy as originals

Original Wheels are nothing special, but you have them already....

The difference here is that if you refinish the stockers, you'll still be able to say they are original, or if you're thinking about color changes, Powder Coating has just about any option imaginable, and of course it may be slightly cheaper.

But I would NOT rule out OE Wheels as an option as they would be fine as replacements if that's the way you wanted to go

 

96 Z 28, I really could care less if the wheels are stock alloys or repro wheels, it's the quality of the wheels I care about.
I'm glad your happy with your wheels but, IMO you do get what you pay for. And the odds of getting an inferior product is always greater when keeping the cost low is a major factor in how the product is produced, regardless what it is.

I also made some corrections to the statement I made, to reflect a more accurate statement IMO.