[78w72]

Originally Posted by allenga

I should have listened. The wheel repair company insisted I powder clear after paint. I let them and it looks like !**@. They gassed the wheels twice and they have a porosity problem which bubbles. So, they will re-machine the rims. And they want to do an automotive paint clear. I think you guys are saying don't do clear. Also, they painted the entire back of the rim gold when I asked them not to. :-(

sorry to hear they didnt come out as you hoped. i tried my best to explain the reasons why powder clear is not a good idea for these wheels & posted pics showing what it looks like. yours have that same super thick artificial look & they probably have orange peel & debris too. i dont know why these companies use this powder clear or why people think it looks good.

i would try what you mentioned about re-machining the faces & leaving the gold as is. i would not suggest trying to use a auto clear over the powder clear, unless they can scuff it up properly, otherwise it will not stick to the powder clear or last very long. live with the gloss & after awhile it will dull up a little, or maybe try some tripple ot (000) steel wool to dull it a little.

bug & tar remover will not harm the bare aluminum, & if you put some wax on it as i suggested it will stay looking like new for many years & whatever gets on there will clean off pretty easy if you get to it soon.

i have been dealing with these snowflake wheels since the 1980's & have polished the factory ones to look almost like chrome by hand as a teenager. then after the horrible experience with restoring some for my current car i knew to stick with no clear, or at least not that ultra thick powder clear crap.

best of luck on the 2nd go around with your wheels.