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I agree that the cars do not need the stripe. However, I do think the side stripes, especially if they say “Porsche”, are evocative of the cars from the 70s and I like the throwback look.
Ah, to relive the 70s again. I started high school in 1968, graduated from college in 1976, and had two years of bachelorhood until I started dating my now-wife in 1978. Owned a 1964 Karmann Ghia, a somewhat modified 1972 Fiat 128, a 1976 Fiat X1/9 and a 1978 Alfa Romeo Spider during the 70s. It was a heck of a decade.
For all those who like the machined edges of the Carerra Classic wheels...
Some new information I came by in the worst way possible...
So I went to pick up my car from the detailers, and the owner of the business was there waiting for me, looking remorseful. Turns out somebody had tried to move a car they were detailing too close to mine, and had scraped along the wheel-well and wheel... Resulting in a bent fender lip and marked-up wheel.
So insurance was given, and I was off first to Porsche, and then their local certified body shop.
Both told me the same thing... It’s basically impossible to restore that machined finish on the Carerra Classic wheels. Since the whole machined area is done at once during production, perfectly matching the grain of the machining won’t happen. A repair might look fine from a distance, but up close you will see where the two finishes don’t quite match.
Accordingly, both Porsche and their certified body shop recommended total replacement of the wheel versus repair. This surprised me. My wheel has marks, sure, some light, some medium depth, but still, relatively minor marks when compared to some other damaged wheels (with more standard finishes) that I’ve seen... and those wheels ended up being repaired perfectly. The machined finish is just that much of a bitch...
No skin off my nose- the detailer’s insurance is taking care of it, but I’d hate to be on the hook for a wheel that goes for north of $2500 a pop.
BUT this experience is now making me think twice about keeping the machined finish when the car is out of the shop. I’d hate to be on the hook for this myself. Perhaps the wiser move in terms of a daily driver in a large city is to get those edges powdercoated...
Are your scratches on the rim or the spokes? I have had the rims (never the spokes) of many polished face wheels repaired perfectly for less than $200--been doing this for years on Mercedes, BMW, Maserati, etc. They machine off a thin layer of metal all around the wheel just deep enough to get rid of the curb rash so there aren't any sections of different finish that don't match--my Carrera Classic wheels don't look any different to me. I would be curious to know if anyone else has heard this from their dealer or a wheel repair specialist (I use Wheels America). I actually have one wheel now that needs a small repair on the rim near the tire and I paid a "dealer services fee" when I bought the car that gives me 2 free wheel repairs per year for 2 years--I guess I'm about to find out.
Are your scratches on the rim or the spokes? I have had the rims (never the spokes) of many polished face wheels repaired perfectly for less than $200--been doing this for years on Mercedes, BMW, Maserati, etc. They machine off a thin layer of metal all around the wheel just deep enough to get rid of the curb rash so there aren't any sections of different finish that don't match--my Carrera Classic wheels don't look any different to me. I would be curious to know if anyone else has heard this from their dealer or a wheel repair specialist (I use Wheels America). I actually have one wheel now that needs a small repair on the rim near the tire and I paid a "dealer services fee" when I bought the car that gives me 2 free wheel repairs per year for 2 years--I guess I'm about to find out.
On both the rim and the spokes. While I didn't really press the issue with Porsche or their bodyshop too hard (it's not my dime, after all), I was a little incredulous that a repair couldn't be done on the wheel, as I too have seen machined rims repaired perfectly. I think they could do it if it were just the rim, but the spokes add a layer of complexity they don't feel comfortable attempting, so the policy is to replace rather than repair. I also have the wheel repair package (although I think I get unlimited repairs, two replacements, and two tire replacements?)... obviously didn't use it as I didn't want to blow a replacement on someone else's screw-up...
On both the rim and the spokes. While I didn't really press the issue with Porsche or their bodyshop too hard (it's not my dime, after all), I was a little incredulous that a repair couldn't be done on the wheel, as I too have seen machined rims repaired perfectly. I think they could do it if it were just the rim, but the spokes add a layer of complexity they don't feel comfortable attempting, so the policy is to replace rather than repair. I also have the wheel repair package (although I think I get unlimited repairs, two replacements, and two tire replacements?)... obviously didn't use it as I didn't want to blow a replacement on someone else's screw-up...
Yes, the spokes may be a problem, although I've seen complete wheels refinished so it may be possible (just don't know how it's accomplished). I'm going to address this to both my dealer and wheel finish guys--getting curb rash is such a common issue with these wide wheel/wide track cars, it's nice to know that there's an economical solution. My previous Mercedes S550 Coupe had multispoke polished face wheels that I don't see were any different than the Carrera Classics and they refinished beautifully.
Playing around with the idea of going with a very dark satin bronze... Basically the shade of bronze on the HRE R101. Might look excellent with the Aventurine Green and Truffle Brown interior...
I like the idea of satin bronze.
My realization is that wheel color and look of car is a very personal thing. Despite everyone (I know + ppl on this forum) recommending no changes to the car... I've had a fetish for red on black for a long time and couldn't be happier with the way things turned out (already posted it on another thread, but meh, repost).
Maybe satin bronze on carrera classic wheels - any pics ?
Been a minute since I posted here. I’m running on fully forged signature wheels on my 992 and still have the OEM classic wheels. Was thinking of powder coating them in satin bronze . Anyone out there that has done it?
cheers
07-14-2020, 12:20 AM
