I have the WS6 Fromula 16" rims and I am looking for the paint code for the silver that's painted in the windows of the rim. It also matches the center cap. Any ideas as to where I could find it?

 

You'll have better luck in the History and Restoration Board, so I have moved the post there.

 

Go to your local paint store, if you check your RPO's look for the one that has two numbers and ends with a P. IE 14P or 24P

John

 

When I had mine refinished, they basically came the same color as a new center cap. Call bruce at Hawks third generation parts and he should be able to answer this correctly. Down here you can get a single rim polished for 135.00 and the rim is brand new again. Andrew

 

Thanks guys,
Ok, I found a 12P in the RPOs, so is that the paint code? I thought about getting refurbished rims but all 4 have corrosion here and there. $135 is a good price, but I figured I could do the work myself. I want to keep the look as close to original as possible without having all out polished rims that look like chrome.
I started experimenting with an extra rim that I had lying around. I can sand out the corrosion and curb marks after I remove the clear coat, but that also removes the machine lines that also hold the clear coat. So I ended up sanding the whole face of the rim with 400 then 800 and finally 1500 then I buffed the whole thing with rubbing compound.
Now it looks really good without being too shiny and it really did not take all that long. It looks like a new rim without the machine lines and clear coat. However the silver paint in the windows needs some attention. If I could get the right paint that matches the center caps I could get the rims perfect.
I guess if all else fails I could take the cap down to the paint supply and see if they can match it.

 

Yea, I understand, but when they get professionally finished, the rim is like factory new. It is not chrome, it is a nice smooth, silky silver look in which you only need water to rub off the dirt when finished. You kill the rim surface with all those degreasers from the stores. Andrew

 

In my GM RPO book, 12P decodes as: Wheel Color, Silver Metallic

 

Andrew, where did you get your rims?

 

You will spend $75 to $150 PER rim, to get a perfect set you will spend that anyways... I would try contacting some of your local bump shops or places that sell used rims & Tires

 

Speaking of the Formula rims - how about the 25 holes drilled in the outside of the rim inset with what appear to be 5/16 hex heads.
How are these fastened to the wheel - do they thread out? What color were they originally?

 

I think they are just pressed in. I tried taking one out of my practice rim and they don't to want to thread out so I just left it. As far as color, the rims on my car have medium silver ones and my practice rim has darker almost black anodized looking ones. It would be nice to be able to take them out and clean thim up too.

 

The Charcoal color was correct on the 1985-1987 WS6 Trans Am and 1987 Formula Rims. Silver should be on the 1988 ~ 1992 Formula Rims. And Black on the 1991 & 1992 Cross laced (GTA) optional Formula wheel (found on all Formula 350 w/t-tops in 91-92)

John

 

Lakeshorewheelandtire.com My former white '91 is on the first page of customer photos. I actually prefer them over my Firehawk R15 rims. I will soon put them on ebay seperately as I am trying to dump both the car and rims. Andrew

 

Nice looking car! These rims are my favorite of all factory rims, that's why I want to get them looking as best I can. $135 is still a good price compared to what some people are trying to get for used ones on ebay.