Has anyone stripped off the paint/clearcoat of the OEM Limited wheels and had them polished? I think that the stock wheels have a very nice "concave/dish" profile to them, though they might look better with a polished as opposed to a chrome finish. Or perhaps have the spokes machined? If anyone's done this yet, please post a pic.

Thanks in advance -
Jim.

 

The OEM wheels are powder coated. I'm not sure if stripping them is possible, but if it is they sure would look nice polished.

 

I have not seen any polished crossfire rims.

However, aircraft stripper will take the powdercoating right off. I've done this on other such powdercoated items. I would have two concerns about polishing these wheels:

1. The polishing after the PC is stripped off typically involves a lot of sanding/buffing with very fine grit sandpaper - I think the grooves in the spokes of these wheels would make it a very time-consuming process.

2. Maintenance. Once you have them polished and pretty, you're left with bare aluminum that will oxidize. To keep them looking good you'll either have to keep up with a regular treatment of polish, like Mothers, or have them clear-coated.

#2 is why people usually go with chrome... easier to take care of.

Another option is to blast them and have a chrome powdercoat applied... assuming you can find someone who does that sort of thing.

 

I am familiar with the process, having done machined/powdercoated 10 hole Mustang wheels back in the '80's. Once they're polished, than yes, keep them up with Mother's on a regular basis. Was kinda hoping someone would have some pics to see before the work involved. I was actually only thinking of polishing the faces of the spokes...
Thanks!

 

I have thought about this idea before. I like the finish of the M3 19 inch machined wheels. It would be interesting to see the Xfire wheels done.

 

after you have them polished you can powder coat clear over them.

 

mshining.jpg

 

I see no reason you can't do it. It should be just like doing any other cast aluminum wheel.
It is a time consuming process and as you know will require lots of maintenance.

I want to chrome mine and paint the insides and recessed areas graphite to match my paint.
Let us know what you do!!

 

I had mine done. Here is the link.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/galle...0/ppuser/12141

 

Aren't your wheels chromed?

 

Yeah FP - those are chrome. I've seen his gallery, and they look good. I have managed to pick up a set of chromed OEM's, but I think they might be too "blingy" for me. Polished aluminum wheels, in my opinion, have more of a technical/performance type of quality to them, hence this inquiry. Just my .02.

Jim.

 

I'm looking for a set of chrome OEMs. Let me know if you're interested in selling yours.

 

Andrew...those are my favorite wheels...They look amazing on your white M3... I am drooling.

 

Nice look. Where did you get the "V6" side emblem?

Thanks.

 

Yeah Andrew, MAN - That's what I'm talkin' about.

 

Personally, I think the OEM rims powder coated gloss black would look really good. I stink at Photoshop (well The Gimp, actually), but here's a visualization of what I'm talking about...

 

Some of us are willing to pay for new brake pads to prevent brake dust on the wheels. These look like dirty wheels IMO.

 

Yeah, I agree. There are certain black wheels that look good, but OEMs all black look dirty to me.