Luftzug

The original wheels on my black 1997 993 4S were significantly abused under prior ownership, with deep scuffs and scratches, curb rash, and bad attempts to conceal the worst cosmetic defects (see photos).

For context, I am not a purist trying to keep the car stock, but also not necessarily trying to go full hotrod. I like a tastefully modified car.

Considering I lack the vision to know what is possible, what would you recommend as the best path here:
1) Try to restore it to original look? I don't see how that could be accomplished; it will always be a refurbished trying to look original (it won't).
2) Deep polish + spray with a different shade (e.g., darker gray, two tone) + clear coat?
3) Deep polish + Powder coating? If so, what color?
4) Drop it; they are gone?
5) other?

Any ideas or pictures of wheels you have successfully refurbished will be greatly appreciated.
LZ

orangecurry

From the photos, that is perfectly normal level of wheel 'damage', and most it in/through the topcoat and the paint only - a standard refurb from a decent local-recommended shop will restore them to better than how they left the factory.

A more important question is are they solidspokes or hollowspokes? Hollowspokes need a refurber who understands hollowspokes - and you need the proper valves. And solidspokes are simply so heavy that I wouldn't want them on my car But you may not care about such things. As you have 'normal' valves, I'm guessing solidspokes.

Luftzug

You are correct, Orangecurry. They are solid spokes. I do care a little bit about that, and thats one reason i'm are no longer running them.

The damage looks worse in person but is not structural.

I am just trying to decide what to do with them next: whether it is worth throwing some money at it to make them "back to original" or try a bit more daring/creative alternative.

LZ

NC TRACKRAT

Whatever you decide to do, Prince Wheel Service in Monroe, NC can do it for you. They are awesome and you are sufficiently close enough to them. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.
www.princewheelservices.com

Luftzug

Thank you, NC Trackrat. This is very helpful. They sure seem to do great work.
LZ

P-daddy

Those don’t look bad at all. I was expecting some F’d wheels They can easily be refinished.

Luftzug

Yes, they are definitely not FUBAR, and I will have them refurbished.

The main question is: should I restore them to their original look, or should I go in a different direction (e.g., matte black, dark gray, etc.)?

fatmike

If you aren't running them, then why restore them?

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MoeMistry

Those wheels can be restored nicely back to OEM. The color and metallic flake should be matched nicely to the center caps

Since they’re not hollow spokes, the ROI won’t be as good, BUT, you’ll be putting something original back on the market for someone to enjoy and may be looking for as part of their restoration

Alternatively, you can sell “as-is” in the marketplace, and let next owner decide…the net affect may be the same financially for you

pp000830

Hi Luftzug,
A powdercoating shop will strip and fill any deep road rash before repainting. Here in Dallas TX, powder coat repainting all 4 wheels to look like new is about $600 these days.
Andy

0-Steve

Exactly right. Just had 4 redone (purchased off Rennlist and were rough) and they look like new. $640 out the door.

Foxman

Those wheels look like excellent candidates for storage wheels. Save your money for hollow spokes, or BBS wheels.

Luftzug

Thank you for the excellent insight, as usual, Andy

GJSPIN

The biggest issue that I find is almost none that are repainted ever match the original silver color. Getting the color correct is a true art with any repaint.

Luftzug

That's exactly my concern, GJSPIN. I would not mind spending $600 to make them look new, but not if they ended up looking way off from the original silver color. Thats why I thought that perhaps it would be best to coat it in a different color altogether, like dark gray, gunmetal, or matte black.