What clearcoat is on factory WS6 rims?

**speedyWS6** · 09-21-2010, 04:56 AM

Hi guys..,

Well if you have seen my post about having a spin out and scraping the bumper and whacking a rim on the kerb...well this is an update of sorts!

I had crazy quotes on bits and pieces, but i got lucky on ebay.com and won a WS6 rim for $100

) Only problem is that it is painted (for whatever reason), but this fact may have put people off? Happily i have the workshop and stuff to bring back a mirror shine, and so my question is....

What is the EXACT type of clearcoat put on these rims from new as i have had a couple of companies tell me that i will have adherance problems if sprayed onto a slick polished surface...but they managed from new and so anybody with good info here will be much appreciated!?

I am guesing at a two part polyurethane type of clear, but i dunno!

Thanks in advance!

Trev...

)

**Mr. Luos** · 09-21-2010, 06:08 AM

Many now have clear powdercoated on.

Personally....strip all the clear off all the wheels and see how much more they could shine. Will require a little more work, but will look much better as well.
They would be a basic polished aluminum wheel at that point.

**speedyWS6** · 09-21-2010, 12:18 PM

Mmmm.....,

I had considered this plan myself! I figured as it sees reasonable use, but not heavy, i would polish the rim as you suggest and maybe paint or powdercoat the back side just to keep th ebrake dust down and make cleaning easier.

I totally understand that keeping a fully polished but unprotected rim is just a maintenance thing and really quite do-able and i agree.... very shiny if maintained!

But....... i would still love to hear peoples thoughts on the make up of the clear used on thses rims from new..

Trev....

)

**Rob** · 09-21-2010, 03:12 PM

96 WS6 wheels were painted with a polished lip. I wouldn't know what they used as a clear coat on the polished wheels.

**Cutlass** · 09-21-2010, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by speedyWS6

Mmmm.....,

I had considered this plan myself! I figured as it sees reasonable use, but not heavy, i would polish the rim as you suggest and maybe paint or powdercoat the back side just to keep th ebrake dust down and make cleaning easier.

I totally understand that keeping a fully polished but unprotected rim is just a maintenance thing and really quite do-able and i agree.... very shiny if maintained!

But....... i would still love to hear peoples thoughts on the make up of the clear used on thses rims from new..

Trev....

)

I'm no expert on this, but this is what I've read on the subject. I've heard its a polyester or acrylic clearcoat and in some cases the refinishing process can't be peformed in a body shop environment. In those cases, you'd have to send the wheel to a wheel refinishing company.

**speedyWS6** · 09-21-2010, 11:20 PM

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys!

Just to put my mind at rest, but it is a bit late now as i have bought it...... are ALL WS6 rims for a Trans Am 17x9 with the same bolt spacing and offset?? I am pretty sure they are....but a yes would help me here!!!

Cutlass... i am going to call a few wheel finishing companies to get there take on this issue, and thanks for the suggestion!

Trev...

)

**SSwt00SS** · 09-22-2010, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

Many now have clear powdercoated on.

Personally....strip all the clear off all the wheels and see how much more they could shine. Will require a little more work, but will look much better as well.
They would be a basic polished aluminum wheel at that point.

this is the route i went with the Ws6 wheels on mine. bought some aircraft paint remover, and let it peel off the clearcoat. rinsed them off, then i polished up the chrome and they look much better.

i highly doubt most people would actually know the clearcoat was removed unless told otherwise.