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Anybody successfully touched up their Carrera Sport wheels?
With the GT Silver paint. What's the paint code?
Thinking about buying a set, that is mint except for one wheel that has a small nick (1/4th the length of a dime) that I was hoping to just touch up with GT silver paint.
Related question, I assume I can re-use the TPMS and wheel bolts/locks from my Carrera Classics?
It's not that simple. Do a search. The Carrera Sport wheel is the only non-BBS or Fuchs wheel provided on the 997 and the lip is machined. With a machined finish it's not a matter of simply covering up something with a little "GT Silver." The lip is not covered with GT Silver. It's machined and then clear-coated. If the flaw is dimensionally as you suggest--just live with it. (If it's a rear wheel, put it on your right rear position and the next time you're in a curbing situation you can have it refinished. Always refinish them in pairs--all of one side or the other to avoid one that stands out).
Yes, GT Silver. Many aren't aware that the Carrera Sport wheel spokes are painted GT Silver.
I am! I am! As usual, Tim, you are absolutely right. GT Silver.
And to the OP: I'm knocking on wood as I type this, and no need to touch up mine so far, but don't see any reason why you couldn't if it's just a spoke.
It's not that simple. Do a search. The Carrera Sport wheel is the only non-BBS or Fuchs wheel provided on the 997 and the lip is machined. With a machined finish it's not a matter of simply covering up something with a little "GT Silver." The lip is not covered with GT Silver. It's machined and then clear-coated. If the flaw is dimensionally as you suggest--just live with it. (If it's a rear wheel, put it on your right rear position and the next time you're in a curbing situation you can have it refinished. Always refinish them in pairs--all of one side or the other to avoid one that stands out).
Of course, all the TPMS items are reusable.
So, how do you touch-up/refinish the machined lip? I got a few curb rashes on that and have been avoiding taking it in, as I am nto sure if they can do a good job of touch-up/re-finish...
There are two approaches to refinishing the machined lip. An artificial way, and the real way.
The artificial way uses a paint that sort of matches the coloration of the machined surface. They use that to hide the repair.
The real way involves a much more invasive surgery. It will be either TIG welded to add material (if that bad) and then machined back to match the rest of that circumference. Then it will be clear coated--while the painted portions will remain GT Silver.
The price you pay reflects the work you have done.
Some true experts can do the cheaper method and some will swear you can't tell the difference. (At any rate, make sure both wheels on the same side are done so they match).
I had a couple of mine refinished--method two. Costlier, but more correct.
With all the modern day Porsche drivers tending toward 'curb rash' their solution to go with cast wheels, painted silver, seems to keep the costs down. But then, occasionally, someone opts for the Carrera Sports, and then it's back to the more complicated repair methods.
I had two little rough scrapes on my wheels when I purchased the car. Both about 8mm long and on the edge lip.
Here's what I did and it turned out really good.
I took an exactoknife and removed the roughness out of the defect carefuly, which left smooth edges from which I built up with matching paint....and it looks great !
I called Dr. Colorchip and they sent me a kit for the wheels. No number, 'wheels' is written on the cap.
The guy said he has sent out several kits for Porsche wheels. Haven't used the kit yet so I don't know how good the match is.
I posted a Thread years ago when I restored the wheels on one of my 993's
I used a 2 part epoxy to fill in any gouges and then a special paint which was "Wurth Silber Silver" Spray cans that laid down a perfect match for the silver wheels and their matching clear coat
They turned out great and I only had to spray a small area and the match was spot on.
I tried finding that wheel paint a few years ago and I think they may stopped making it but the match was excellent for most Porsche OEM wheels.
yes you can, but if they’re older just get new ones. They’re fairly cheap and you’d kick yourself if the batteries in your older units died prematurely, causing you to yank all of the tires and replace them again. Time and money spent at the tire shop when you could be out driving.
02-25-2012, 04:56 PM
Anybody successfully touched up their Carrera Sport wheels?
As usual, Tim, you are absolutely right. GT Silver. 
