Classic rims

I have a dilemma. Once decided on having the original (grey) alloys on my RRC Vouge refurbished I find that although powder coating is not a problem a couple of specialists have advised that they cannot retain the original finish ie the silver rim, which is obviously not acceptable. I've toyed with the idea of replacing the rims with new items (it being highly unlikely I'll find a complete set of pristine used items) but apart from the unrealistic price there doesn't seem to be any suppliers with obsolete stock - unless anyone knows differently

Our local powder coating place (in Hereford) said that following powder coating, they would need to send the wheels off to have the rim diamond etched to achieve the correct finish. The process would double the cost, at least. Another refurb place here just paints the wheels which obviously includes the silver rims, though it's not as resilient as powder coating.

Masking tape!

Why can't they just mask the silver area off

Powder coat the silver then the colour.


Original wheels were wet spray painted btw.

No idea. Just quoting what I was told by the powder coater, perhaps he's a lazy bastard and can't be arsed masking off!

I am going for wet spray paint refurb when I have mine done.

I'd opt for full powder coat refurb with the centres done with 2k base n clear afterwards.
Not difficult.

Thanks for the prompt responses folks, I'll bear the terminology used for the processes in mind when talking to specialists.
nb: the rim (only) part # is NTC1346 in the unlikely case of anyone hearing of any obsolete stock.

Paint em to match body colour like on the vogues

goonarmy said:

Paint em to match body colour like on the vogues

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Mine is a Vouge & the wheels were always grey, on the SE's they were colour coded. My only variation from standard has been to fit SE wheel nuts which have stainless covers.

OK so sort of still on topic, I have a set of original alloys that need fettling/repainting, I am quite happy to take this on but what would be the opinions on marking (on the tyre) the position of the balancing weights and then levering them off to prep/paint, then when finish is hard hammering them back on.
I suppose I could just pay to have them re-balanced afterwards, but is that really neccessary?

frog hopper said:

OK so sort of still on topic, I have a set of original alloys that need fettling/repainting, I am quite happy to take this on but what would be the opinions on marking (on the tyre) the position of the balancing weights and then levering them off to prep/paint, then when finish is hard hammering them back on.
I suppose I could just pay to have them re-balanced afterwards, but is that really neccessary?

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I've known lazy puncture repairers to do that. No harm I suppose.

frog hopper said:

I suppose I could just pay to have them re-balanced afterwards, but is that really neccessary?

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Certainly on the fronts & advisable on the rears too.

norseman said:

Certainly on the fronts & advisable on the rears too.

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Ummm, I meant to replace the original balance weights in the original positions after painting the rims.

Don't know if that's as accurate, others may be able to advise.