minor wheel restore

[Frank DUva]

I recently bought on eBay a decent set of 2003 LS430 7 spoke 17" wheels in Millennium silver. I have  2002 SC430 in millennium silver that has a like new paint finish. The wheels need some paint touch up, but they are somewhat dull. Not sure if I should polish and wax or compound cleaner and wax. I have no experience in abrasives. 

[RX400h]

Many aluminum wheels are clear-coated after painting or polishing. It is possible to clean them with alcohol and apply a new coat of spray paint, but you may not like the result. Why not ask an auto body shop person what they would charge?

[Twinram]

I'm in Washington State but we have companies that do Wheel restoration but its starts at 150 per wheel.  Not sure  I'd be willing to invest that in that wheel. 

[Frank DUva]

 I was thinking about having them refurbished but they quoted me $150-$175 per wheel also. They also said the color being that old it might have to be custom mixed paint, which might be even more. I think a body shop may be worth it, seeing they have experience with paint restoration. Or I may attempt to use a light compound then a finish polish by hand then wax.  The scratches are many but light and the wheels are in good shape, maybe a good place for getting some experience. 

[Frank DUva]

Well, I finally touched up my used 03 17" LS430 wheels with American Touch-up Paint, a little clearcoat, some Menzerna 2500 compound and Meguires ultra-finish polish. They came out shiny but a little blotchy because I over sprayed a little. I bought some Hankook 235/50-17 Ventus V2 Concept2 AS tires because their overall diameter was 26.1, rather than the usual 26.3 for that size. They give me another .7-inch sidewall height and all the specs are all very close to the OEM wheel and tire. The ride is much smoother with no sharp raps over RR tracks, concrete seams and those overpass patches. I'm really happy with them. I attached a before and after shot. 

[Frank DUva]

Thanks

Here is a pic my friend took of it today

[dcfish]

Looks Great !!!

[Frank DUva]

Thanks, I'm really glad I stuck with my choice. I almost went aftermarket which would have been much more expensive. I like the color and that they are dated to 2002 with close to OEM specs.

[dcfish]

Your choice is pure Lexus, Anyone can buy aftermarket, But to have the real thing is Superb !!!

[Olderthanus]

FYI- you can now buy 2K Clear Coat in a spray can- it's a special two-stage that mixes in the can that that provides much better (autobody quality) durability in a DYI scenario.   Only lasts once activated for a day or so, but worth every bit of a $25 can.   You activate with a "big red button" on the bottom the can- and other than that- it's a regular spray but auto-body quality. 

Works great for wheels- just lasts longer than all the 1K. Search for SprayMax 2K Urethane Clear Coat.  

Us Florida folks need to keep our clear hard, fresh and durable. 

Has worked for me in rehabbing painted silver wheels.