Bob Dobolina

So I think these turbo look wheels are original to the car but I’m not sure. What seems odd to me is that the alloy is peeling in places and underneath you see red. Is that what I am supposed to be seeing there?

The other question (bottom photo) is what on earth is that little metal block that is affixed to the inside of one of my wheels?

I’m debating whether to refinish or get new wheels....

su8pack1

The metal block thing is a wheel weight used when balancing the wheel. You can see where the old one was pealed off when new tires were put on and balanced.

hatchetf15

Bob,
Take them to a good wheel refinisher and ask the experts. I look at those wheels and think strip, powder and clear in a color you want. Probably not cheap. Wheels may need some repair. May be a used set of Twists are in order, if keeping an original spec; or some new wheels that you know you want.

Bash Hat

Looks like the red is rust.

JBSL

The "block" is a wheel weight and the red ain't rust. The wheels are aluminum and aluminum doesn't rust red, it "rusts" white. Probably cost as much to refinish as a new set of lower end aftermarket wheels.

Flyfishnick

Not sure where you are at, but I know a great guy in the Seattle area that sandblasts, does some rash repair sanding and powder coating for less than $150/wheel. I am quite happy with his work. If you don't have a lot of funds, I think powder coating works best, but there are lots of great folks on this forum that have done lots of their own paint or plastidip with great success--search the forum for painted wheels if you wish to see ideas.

pdizzle1

I'm local to Seattle...interested in your recommendation for a wheel refinisher...which shop?

Bob Dobolina

Thanks for the input guys. It may be time for something new.

Flyfishnick

It's in a sketchy business park in Algona, but he is really cool guy and does it right. Right off Hwy 167

Simonripley

The red is actually the primer coat under the chrome finish. These wheels were standard on Millennium Edition 911s and this was a common problem.

NuttyProfessor

This seems plausible. I would think you could have the wheel stripped and re-chromed. Or, just buy some replacements on eBay or FB marketplace.

pdxmotorhead

Full strip and powder-coated with chrome powder,, if your lookign for a relatively cheap option..

Porschetech3

I was told by the "Porsche Hot Line" Engineers that Porsche does not approve "chrome plated" wheels. The chrome plating process weakens the wheels and can cause pitting and corrosion. The "chrome' look" used on the Millennium Edition and 40th Jahre Anniversary Edition is actually shot penned and polished aluminum. I was told that any chrome plated wheels were an aftermarket process. This was told to me while trying to Certify a 996 for CPO warranty and it had flaking of the chrome plating.Of course they could be wrong about the Millennium Edition, It could be the exception to their own rule.

Bob Dobolina

That makes the most sense to me as well. It definitely doesn't look like rust. Interesting that this was a common problem.

JBSL

You could always have them tumbled for the polished look.