NB8A Rim issues - Rims cant be cleaned + busted centre cap

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 8:00 pm

I am not sure about the legs as my car is different. The discolouration sounds like the paint is deteriorating and to restore the wheels I suggest that you will need to sand them down with wet and dry and repaint. It might even be worth a try to purchase a sheet or two of micro wet and dry and rub them down carefully and re polish- you might be lucky.Even a fine wire wool available at your paint place can be quite good. There are a number of posts on repainting rims but use good quality products - do not buy the cheapest paint as you will not get the best results. See what others have to say.

Hammer · Postby **Hammer** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:24 pm

What Mr Morlock said.

Do a search for Green_Comet's thread on how to restore wheels. It sounds like your wheels are ready to be restored. No idea how to fix the broken clips on the centre cap though.

Good luck.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 4:25 pm

Sounds like the factory clearcoat is coming off. Get some quotes from wheel repair guys to repaint them - shouldn't be too dear and would look brand new.

philz · Postby **philz** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 4:33 pm

I'm pretty sure its the clear coat as well.

Strip the wheels with paint stipper, that will take off the clear coat.

Then buy some clear coat, and spray on again.

Postby **Okibi** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:07 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:... I suggest that you will need to sand them down with wet and dry and repaint...

Please don't do this! You'll have lots of dramas trying to match the same finish once you smooth it with sand paper. AFAIK they're not painted just clear coated alloy.

I think Phil is on the money but if in doubt as a wheel expert.

You can respray the plastic centre caps as they will yellow with age. There's a Subaru silver that's a good match, I can try and find out the exact name tomorrow.