dascar

Has anyone repainted the inner black portion of the OEM Fuchs wheels? I wonder what paint to use and if it will look repainted or should this be left to the pro paint shops? Should it be shiny black or more of a satin or just flat black? As these wheels are almost 20 years old now, I really can't tell.

Dean Tanner

I'm in the same position. My Fuchs are not in perfect condition and I would like to repaint them. I don't care about longevity, someday I plan to replace them. I don't want to spend hundreds having them refinished, but would like them to look nice until replacement. Can anyone give us some guidance? I have also considered painting them white to match the car. Any thoughts?

Matt Romanowski

I'm sure someone else will chime in, but it's supposed to be a satin black. There is a Napa paint that is perfect for it. If no one gives the color, I can find it.

Matt

2002M3Drew

Matt,

I think you nailed it..."Satin Black" from NAPA auto parts.

Griots also sells a satin black paint, as does Eastwood. Napa is the cheap route, though.

Drew

911Dave

The original wheel paint is made by Wurth, which is readily available. There are a ton of threads on this, which you'll find if you do a search. There is some disagreement on whether it is Wurth matt black or Wurth satin black, mainly because no one remembers exactly what these looked like when new. You can buy the paint at a number of places online, including Pelican Parts. It is definitely a DIY project and is quite simple.

DGaunt

The original Fuchs were anodized and as such, IMHO Wurth satin black is the best choice. The other thing to know is to use 3M "Trimline" masking tape to prevent creeping under the tape as happens with regular masking tape. ?I did mine about 12 years ago, and 40K miles later, they look pretty good. Hope this helps

itsme-itsme

Is there a powder coat black finish that would mimic or enhance the original look? I have a good line a local who does a great job.

steve911

I second the wurth's satin, though you might want to use their lacquer as it might hold up better to the heat than enamel.

another thing to try before repainting is to use some 3M hand glaze on the wheels (are washing them, of course). You just might be able to bring them back to life that way. Also, according to the guys at carcareonline.com, you should regularly wax the wheels to protect the paint. Up until talking to them, it had never occured to me to wax a wheel, but it IS painted and wax does protect paint. (duh!)

also, I have hand painted center caps in wurths satin to match when you're done! click on my signature line

marc 1xx1

I agree that Wurth Satin Black is the way to go. You can get the paint from www.carcareonline.com if no one in your area caries it.

Spend plenty of time masking off the rim, this will make or brake this project. Products like 3M blue long mask tape will make the job easier.

Lightly sand the existing finish and repair any chips. I used a sandable primer.

Paint the rim in thin layers, read the can for respray times. It is a weekend project that is well worth the effort.

My rims when finished looked "almost" new.

Good luck!

marc

agentpennypacker

Guys - there is a GREAT post on pelican from someone who has done this well in his garage (a dentist, actually from PA).

Search Fuchs Refinishing on pelican - I'm about to do it myslef on my 8's and 9's.

r911

powder coat will have a plasticky, clear layer on top, so won't look just right

It would be nice if someone would start up a paint dipping shop for the Fuchs like the factory used -- it would be a thicker coat and probably more durable than any spray paint, even Wurth

scottb

Send them to Al Reed in Anaheim, California. You will be surprised at his reasonable prices. His work is awesome!

wheelguy

Just checked in and saw the wax recommendation for the wheels. Pure or even high content of, carnauba can melt on the wheels when they get hot. The folks at Proper Auto Care will tell you to use WheelWax. It is available from their website. Hope this helps.

Yeah, I am with WheelWax, but the guys at Proper Auto Care.com are spot on with their rec.

r911

I have never had a bit of a problem and have used Meguiars wax on mine for at least 8 years.

OneNineElevenGuy

When I redid my wheels, I went with Red, not Black to match the P O R S C H E stripe doen the side. Take your time when masking, using the 3M blue tape. I also used a heavier magazine stock rather than newspaper because it does not bleed through as easy.
I used a red oxide primer and lots of fine coats with wet sanding in between. Did mine in a weekend. Sprayed out the centercaps silver to match the rims, and now have a set of really cool wheels. Someday I will take them back to black.