BUDGET WHEEL REFURB - WITH PICTURES

[shearer27]

I know that you will probably all have your own methods of going about a simple wheel refurb but I thought that I would share mine with you in case you were about to do the same to your car. As you are probably well aware, the alloys on first gen Sports seem to corrode for a past time (and I would like to say Mazda alloys on a whole) but I'm not 100% sure about other models so I will not put my foot in it! My alloys were looking tired and I have never been a fan of silver alloys on silver cars so I decided to spray them D.I.Y. stylie!

So this is how I went about tidying up and cleaning my Mazda 3 Sport alloys:

Step 1: Remove wheel, push out centre cap (from the back).



Step 2: Rub the front surface with a fine grade wet-and-dry paper. In very corroded areas use a wire brush or medium weight sand paper and then go over the same areas with the wet-and-dry until you get a nice smooth surface.



Step 3: Clean wheel with Meths - apply to clean cloth and wipe until no dust or dirt visible.

Step 4: Prep. and mask the tyre/wheel. My method is to wrap the rim a length of sand paper inserting it between the edge of the rim and tyre then taping the two ends together. Then attach this to the tyre with masking tape. Once you have this in position you should not be able to seen any of the tyre. Finally, mask off any remaining tyre with newspaper. Don't forget to mask your valve off too!



Step 5: The the fun part. Start by spraying the wheel (I started in the centre around the bolt holes moving onto the spokes then finally the outer rim surface). I applied 2/3 coats of grey primer with about 20/30 min. intervals. I must add at this point that I have been limited with time when doing this job and wouls suggest you take your time - do not rush and make sure that you spray on a warm sunny day to get best results.



Step 6: Once dry apply your top coats - again, 2/3 good solid coats - not thick but nice and solid. I have been using Plasticote spray paints (from Wilkinsons - about a fiver a can). Apply in a warm, dust free environment if poss. to get decent results.



Step 7: Wait until dry before applying a couple of cots of clear lacquer. This will protect the top coats and extend the life of all of your efforts. Basically, each wheel has taken me roughly 2 hours to complete from start to finish. Many of you will say that this is nowhere near long enough but I admit that the results may not be to eveyones liking but I think that the wheels are a damn sight better know that they were before. Wait for everything to be nice and dry before removing all masking tape and paper etc.


;and hey presto:




Thanks for looking and I hope that this has been of some help (to someone!) Your comments would be welcome.

[Stuno1]

Good work.

Stu

[karlos]

well done, a top class job. would suggest spraying the centre caps now though    what was the main colour that you sprayed on? looks very nice.

[Mindis]

Well done

[shearer27]

Thanks for the positive comments. Karlos the main colour was called 'Graphite'.

[Willpower]

A nice cheaper alternative to costly professional refurbishment.
I'm glad to see that there are still owners who will have the courage to carry out D.I.Y instead of just getting someone else  to do it.
Unfortunately as time marches on you get less likely to attempt such things. 

Well done.

[shearer27]

I know that a professional refurb would have better results but when you are on a tight budget (each wheel roughly cost about £10 + my time) then D.I.Y. is sometimes the only option. Not sure how long my efforts will last but at least they will prolong the life of the wheel as they were beginning to show signs of corrosion especially around the centre cap and bolt holes. they are now ready for the winter and the salt!

[Duc de Pommfrit]

Like the colour, would be interested to know how long it lasts.

[shearer27]

I'll keep you posted with pics. WATCH THIS SPACE!

[daiking]

Looks really good for a quick DIY effort

For those near to Birmingham, these guys will do a refurbs for £20 a wheel http://www.citypowdercoating.co.uk/#!__offer

From what people have shown, its not bad for the money.

[cross90]

Nice guide.. One thing to add that doesnt seem to have been mentioned, warm the paint can through with a hair dryer or sit it into a jug of warm (Not Boiling!!) water before spraying. Gets a much nicer 'mist' of paint rather than a heavy spray.. Always helps

[Kellit]

I'm probably gonna do my my alloys as soon as it gets properly nice and warm outside. I'm thinking about purchasing the following products:
http://www.autoinparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=96016
http://www.uniqueaudioandstyling.co.uk/e-tech-graphite-gun-metal-anthracite-alloy-wheel-paint-400ml-1253-p.asp
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Product.do?method=view&n=2157&p=36174&c=215&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Base&utm_campaign=Paint
and some sand paper. Would it be a good idea to let some air out of the tyres so you get more access to the wheel lip?

[Skott]

Excellent work, your right silver on silver looks boring. I will have a go at this once this damn cold weather buggers off.

[paul jackson]

Excellent job

[Hanp01]

Looks sweet! Might give mine a go!