Budget M3

I have a set of original roof rails that are badly oxidized from the AZ sun. I'd like to repaint them to match the original color (and the rest of the aluminum-look trim) before mounting on my SUV, but am unable to find a paint code for this anywhere. Has anyone here done this or can you recommend a paint?

Cole

I don't have them on mine it are they not just aluminum with a clear coat over them to start with?

I would spray them down with paint stripper to remove the clear coat and move on.

Budget M3

I do not believe they are genuine aluminum, Cole. Where the paint is oxidized, they appear to be plastic (or at least a plastic coating) underneath. There is clearly more than just a clear coat over bare aluminum to achieve "the look".

Cole

Well, if not actually aluminum. I would sand and paint with Duplicolor silver wheel paint. It can be found at any auto parts store.

Should be a near exact match to any automotive exterior aluminum and designed to withstand extreme temperatures and road chemicals. (lays down nice too)

Starts out a touch soft but hardend up to an extremely durable finish in a few weeks.

Budget M3

Good suggestion...I'll see if they offer a satin finish...

Helipilot1

This thread is old but I thought I’d add my 2 cents.

I have the Tequipment roof rails that came with my 2004 Cayenne S. I bought the Tequipment cross bars and mounted them per the instructions and torque key that came with them. The grip around the rails and the Las Vegas heat “scrunched” the what appears to be “vinyl wrap” in all 4 contact points ruining the faux aluminum look finish! It would probably be cheaper for me to remove the rails and have them stripped and powder coated the same aluminum color then having them “re-wrapped.”

PartsGuyGT

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ook-paint.html

Helipilot1

Thanks PartsGuyGT!