has anyone had their stock wheels refinished in anthracite? I'm assuming powder coating would be the way to go . . .

any pictures appreciated, also anything of BRG w/anthracite wheels even aftermarket.

thanks!

 

A few of the folks here in Dallas that are part of the Metroplexe MINI club have done exactly what you're talking about - powder coating stock wheels. I know at least one person did it the center section of his webspokes in antracite, others have done S-Lites in black or other colors.

In every case the wheels have looked great and the coating seems to be lasting, not flaking off or otherwise degrading.

Here's a link to a photo album of some black powder coated S-Lites:

http://www.metroplexmini.org/gallery....php?cat=11463

/gary

/gary

 

Here you go - just did this two weekends ago. They need another coat (the spoke edges are tricky). I've always had good luck with the "graphite" color and NO clear coat. Clear coat always manages to mess up the finish and even in pebble-strewn Michigan, I don't have much problem with chipping.


Just off the stands

Looking good!

Preparation is key to success. "Pre" cleaner is available from Eastwood.

 

Wow that looks awesome! Nice work

mb

 

Wow looks good..

What were your steps?

Pre-cleaner?

then

Paint ?

or

Were there other steps?

 

that's a nice color.

 

What kind of paint did you use, or is recommended?

 

Thanks guys, it's really a super bang for the buck deal (cheap too ) The paint that I used is Dupli-Color High Performance Wheel Coating - WP102 Graphite. The black sandable primer works great. I wrote up some notes a while back here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ainting+wheels

But there is no secret... well, clean, cleaner, cleanest. You just can't get enough dust off the wheels, 'cause you're sure going to see it after the primer goes on!

This last time I didn't even mask the tires with newspaper and it worked out great. Those metal spray shields are a must, but they can be made of anything that will grip the edge of the wheel.

Take your time and good luck!

 

nice - thanks for posting! and BRG too . . .

 

hot!!

 

I went the longer route, having taken off the S-Lites last fall for the winter, dismounted the worn out runflats, spent all winter taking my good ol' time.

Cleaning was key, 4 hours each I think, including wetsanding to ensure a smooth finish. Then ground and sanded out some road (or car wash) rash.

Then went with 4-coats of Dupli-Color Truck and SUV paint (laquer) then 4-coats of D-C clear coat. Finally, spent endless evenings in front of the tv compounding and polishing them down to a decent gloss. Yeah, I waxed them twice too. Then mounted up new KDW-2's.

Next time, I think I'll go for a new set of wheels.

 

>Next time, I think I'll go for a new set of wheels.


lol! but you did a good job.

 

Thanks. I tried. The most interesting thing about the MINIs is how most owners try various and interesting looks and features. I can't say I know another vehicle that I'd have invested the time to paint the wheels. Now I considering new stripes, something special and different. So many available, so little time.

 

Next time, I think I'll go for a new set of wheels.


Man, that looks fantastic--congrats on sticking with that project to the end!

 

Yeah, the time paid off in some serious quality looks. Great job ToBFree!