scooter500

iTrader: (1)

I have the original plain aluminum 15" wheels and like that look. Of course by now they are pitted and need some sanding and buffing. First time working on rims for me but am looking forward to the job. The centers are some color of black, but what I'm wondering is if originally the wheels were only sprayed with a clear coat or if the wheels actually were painted with aluminum colored paint in the spokes and just clear coated on the edge of the rim and flat parts?

scottmoyer

The rims were painted in the spokes and surrounding the spokes. The area around the lug nuts was painted black and the top edge of the spokes and lip was a polished, but brushed finish, similar to this. Then the entire rim was clear coated.

scooter500

iTrader: (1)

Thanks

romcjr

iTrader: (1)

I want to repaint and cler my wheels.Do you know what kind or color of silver the spokes were painted?Thanks.

scooter500

iTrader: (1)

I'm new to this myself but think OER has the right color: OER Factory Wheel Coatings, Low-Gloss Nevada Silver, Chevy, Pontiac, Aerosol, 16 oz.

There's a post on Alvin clear coat in Aftermarket Product Review. I think that's a good clear coat but don't have experience with it either.

scooter500

iTrader: (1)

scottmoyer, the picture you posted below is amazing!

Unfortunately the Low Gloss Nevada Silver paint is still on back order... what paint did you use?

scottmoyer

I didn't do these. I found this pic online.

scooter500

iTrader: (1)

Okay, managed to clean my wheels up pretty good but ran out of time so just coated them with a nano protect spray for now. Also noticed defects in the original wheel under the finish... whatever! Good enough for winter driving....

FormerL69

iTrader: (2)

Are you 100% certain on the clear coating? I'd swear my '84 Z28 and my parents '85 Z were not cleared because they were a total pain to clean. The spokes themselves had a rough finish.

scottmoyer

Now that you bring that up, you may be right. Clear coat was used on the car starting in '86, so I would assume that pre-'86 rims didn't have clear on them either. I wonder if the post-'86 rims of this style were cleared. I know the newer style IROC-Z rims and 91/92 Z28 rims were cleared. hmmmmm.

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

Not sure about Camaro, but I had several sets of rims from 85 TAs, they all had clear on them.

FormerL69

iTrader: (2)

Forgot to add that my '82 wheels are definitely not cleared and they are original to the car. Like I said, I know my '84 Z28 and my parents '85 wheels were not cleared either and the '85 Z was purchased new -- so that one I am 100% certain of.

Based on what stealtht/a said, maybe it was a running change in '85 or maybe the Pontiac wheels had it before Chevy?

stealtht/a

iTrader: (1)

Possibly since the firebird 20 slots were new in 85.

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

I believe mine are cleared. Not too difficult to clean.