So, since 717 is staying put, I have some projects to work on... first up, the wheels.

The original wheels are in good shape but need a refresh cosmetically. I have a second set of GP wheels I just picked up as well.

So here's the thing: I know that the original wheels had a matte finish on the Panther Black parts. I want to keep things as stock as possible (or easily returned to stock ) but the second set has been refinished in a gloss black. The matte finish is a PITA to take care of - I am seriously considering having the wheels redone in a gloss finish for ease of care. The second set is in good condition, but I will likely do a refinish on them as well.

Also, is there any benefit to stripping them and having them done in a powder coat rather than paint?

So, mainly looking for thoughts and ideas...

 

I had my wheels recently powder coated as the original wheels were damaged cosmetically. They fixed up scrapes and dings, and then powder coated them. If these were straight track wheels, you really don't want to heat up the wheels as you can weaken them, but as this thing will be driven around town, i wasn't too worried.

The benefit is that the powder coat, at least the ones that i had done, are clear coated and are in theory stronger than a paint. The issue I had was that after they had the wheels refinished at the machine shop, they then taped off the fronts and there's a couple small perfections where they pulled the tape.

 

Those look really good... do you mind if I ask how much they cost to redo? I really want to go powder coated for the second set of wheels but not sure it is worth the price. ANd I am seriously considering going gloss - but I want at least one stock set.

 

It was 600 and that included machining any damage on the lips and spokes, and mounting the tires.

 

I think I could almost send them to your place in Jersey and ship them back for less than what my refinisher wants to charge me!

While I'v e got you here, I am looking at tires and one of my picks is the Firestones you have mounted. Have you driven on them yet?

 

What did they quote you for it? $150 a wheel is the going rate around here, and that's usually higher than most places.

I have them on one of my Honda S2000's and they've been great tires. It's supercharged and holds the 400whp well and is up for light track work (starts getting greasy at the end of a 20 minute session). They're not good in colder weather, and aren't the top pick for wet traction, but I doubt that's as big of a concern for you.