Does anyone know if the outer barrel lips of R90 wheels were clear coated or just left as bare metal from the factory? Mine are in very poor shape but I have a lead on an already refurbished set that would likely be cheaper than refurbing my originals. The set for sale had the barrels polished and not cleared. If that is the proper procedure, does anyone have any tips for keeping them looking good long-term?

 

The barrels are the spokes but I'm assuming you mean the outside rims. The rims on R90s were originally clear-coated.

 

I have been working on having mine redone, I'm planning on having them disassembled and the Outer Rim section cleaned then Powered Coated Clear then reassembled. Funny how the original clear coat doesn't last as long as the Center Insert's Powder Coat.

I have four sets of the R90s to do, just another task to get to this year.

 

I had mine straightened, powder-coated, rim refinished and balanced for $150 ea. at a supplier in Dallas. I sold a pristine set of used R90s for $800 plus shipping. I also have a third set with perfect spokes but a bit of curb rash that I'm attempting to repair myself and resell. We'll see how that works out. Last I checked a single refinished R90 from a commercial seller was going for around $330 each.

 

+1 Yes they were clear and they all bubble and fail.

 

Thanks all. Hopefully I can get the refurbished set and apply the necessary clear coat, and if not, now I know what will need to be done to refurb my original wheels.

 

If you're going to refurb yourself be sure to use a 2 part clear. I initially used a standard clear in a spray can, and the finish chipped off with just a fingernail. I stripped that off and used a 2K clear, and it's been holding up fine for the past 5(?) years. SprayMax has a 2K clear in a spray can, which is what I used.

 

I agree with RudeJoe.
Not intending to come off like a "know it all"...
One thing I've learned - Having a professional re-Powder Coating a set of wheels was beyond my budget.
I took the painstaking approach by refinishing and painting my wheels (S-Lites) with off the shelf high-temp aerosols.
Paint was not so much an issue as much as clear coat.
Definitely 2k clear is a must!
One note I'd like to add = Regardless of factory finish or DIY refinish - If you drive your Mini down to a car wash (preferably a DIY car wash); Allow enough time for your wheels to cool down before you start splashing cold water on them. Powder coat may not be drastically effected but anything less than a good 2k paint and clear will kill the finish in no time.

Just my novice 2cents experience.