Greetings all.

My '07 Monte LT has the factory 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels, and the clearcoat on all four of them along the wheel lip is degrading and breaking down. The appearance is similar to that of badly chapped human lips. Only the outer wheel lips seem to be affected. Deep into the spokes and the center, all is fine. My mileage (and theirs) is currently 38K.

The service manager for the auto dealer I work for has recommended a local contractor that will refinish my wheels' clearcoat. Any idea how much this typically costs? I have no idea, and won't be able to reach this contractor for a few days.

I don't understand why the clearcoat is breaking down in the first place. When I clean the tire rubber, I spray on Simple Green and scrub it into the rubber only (not on the rim), then thoroughly rinse within 60-90 seconds. When I clean the wheels, I rinse first and then use a small soft terry cloth soaked in water made sudsy with car wash soap. Am I doing this wrong and degrading my wheels?

Talk to me.

-M

 

its a very common problem...i have thought about getting my stock rims painted but in the long run i think it would cost too much to justify. You would have to get the rims sand blasted or something to get all the old clear off so when the new clear is applied it wont do the same thing again

 

really not sure how much it would cost to refinish your factory wheels, but there is a set forsale in the forsale section here...

For Sale: Stock MC/Imp SS Wheels for sale