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Time for new wheels?

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Old 08-23-2024, 04:08 PM
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flyau98
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Default Time for new wheels?

front wheel is leaking 1-2psi/day. Took it to the tire shop today to get looked it. They said the chrome plating is flaking away and has made the inside lip of the wheel leak. They identified the location and showed it to me (pic below).

-Can aftermarket-plated chrome wheels be reasonably refinished? I’d be ok going away from the chrome for a darker gray maybe.

-If not, what’s the current market (new and used) look like for available wheels for a 1998 986? Size options/recommendations? Other years/models that will fit? My son likes the classic BBS look.

Current wheels are 17” with pretty new Michelin PilotSport A/S 3+ tires. (Front 205/50ZR17 | Rear 255/40ZR17).




Last edited by flyau98; 08-23-2024 at 04:49 PM.
Old 08-23-2024, 06:36 PM
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mikefocke
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There seem to be at least two wheel refurbishment places very near you. I'd start there, not at a tire place. Just search city state wheel refurbishment
Old 08-23-2024, 06:52 PM
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flyau98
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I didn't know "why" it was leaking - which is why I went to a tire shop...they fix leaks...and discovered what my problem was.

I just talked to a local "mobile" refurbisher (Gulf Coast Wheel Repair). He "doesn't strip chrome" (which from a little online reading seems common), but suggested that taking a wire wheel to the inside lip of the wheel might cure my problem. I can get access to a tire machine and give that a try. Meanwhile I'll try reaching out to other wheel refinishers in the area.

Ultimately this will probably become a problem on the other wheels and eventually in a place that makes them unattractive, so the search for new wheels is still on, but maybe less urgent.

---
Gulf Coast Wheel Repair was prompt in answering my inquiry and helpful - might be a good place to start if anyone in the area has a problem he can help with.
Gulfcoastwheelrepairllc@gmail.com
He's also on Facebook but it seems that Facebook links are stripped.

Last edited by flyau98; 08-23-2024 at 06:55 PM.
Old 08-29-2024, 04:29 PM
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76FJ55
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plenty of non-chrome wheel options out there. I believe you should be able to run any number of the factory Porsche 986/987 or 996/997 (narrow body) wheels in 17" or 18" the key is to lookj at width and offset numbers for whatever wheel you are interested in. there are of course plenty aftermarket options as well.
Old 08-31-2024, 08:20 PM
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Magdaddy
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Any number of new aftermarket wheels, will likely be cheaper that refinishing those. I’d either look for a new set, or shop for a better shape used set.
just my $.02
Old 09-01-2024, 05:43 PM
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What are you looking for from the wheels and tires? Black, grey, silver, body color? What kind of driving do you plan? (Track, autocross, around town, Interstate?

Search here for "wheels" and see what appeals from other's choices. My choice is probably not yours. And chrome is an ugh to me.
Old 09-01-2024, 05:56 PM
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flyau98
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It’s a daily driver… the chrome wasn’t our doing, but thanks for your commentary on my wheels. You’ll be happy to know that chrome appears to be too expensive to be worth refinishing.

so I was looking for some Non-obvious advice for someone who doesn’t want to do a bunch of math to see if a wheel “might fit” after a $1000+ investment.

something along the lines of any OEM wheel from a 986 works…so do the wheels from a Porsche 9xx, etc.

or XXX company makes really nice wheel that fit well…

I have to be far from the first that’s replaced the wheels. Thought someone might have experienced advise.

Last edited by flyau98; 09-01-2024 at 05:58 PM.
Old 09-02-2024, 12:05 PM
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That's super unfortunate. We'd be happy to get you a new lightweight forged setup in any design you'd like! We also don't do anything chrome, but full polishing instead, so the finish will last a lifetime.
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Old 09-02-2024, 03:08 PM
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76FJ55
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Originally Posted by flyau98
It’s a daily driver… the chrome wasn’t our doing, but thanks for your commentary on my wheels. You’ll be happy to know that chrome appears to be too expensive to be worth refinishing.

so I was looking for some Non-obvious advice for someone who doesn’t want to do a bunch of math to see if a wheel “might fit” after a $1000+ investment.

something along the lines of any OEM wheel from a 986 works…so do the wheels from a Porsche 9xx, etc.

or XXX company makes really nice wheel that fit well…

I have to be far from the first that’s replaced the wheels. Thought someone might have experienced advise.
I kind of thought that is what I posted in my previous response, but I may be mistaken.
Old 09-03-2024, 07:16 PM
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flyau98
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Originally Posted by 76FJ55
I kind of thought that is what I posted in my previous response, but I may be mistaken.
. I was talking at the guy that doesn't like my chrome.



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