Just picked up a set of 5 SS1 wheels and the wheels need some help, paint has chipped off and looks a bit discolored etc. When I repaint the wheels do I use flat, semi-gloss or gloss black paint.

Thanks

 

Semi or reduced gloss. The flat will not clean or wax well. Make sure the surface is prepped good and it's really clean before painting. Don't skimp on the paint quality.

 

The wheels are two different shades of black. The center where the spokes are flat black, and area under the trim ring is gloss black. However, gloss black looks nice on the entire wheel.

 

Would you recommend a good quality spray paint or should I take them to a paint and body shop and have them shoot them with paint

 

The way I did the SSI wheels on my '68 and '69 was to use spray-on paint remover to take off all the old black paint. I cleaned the wheels after that, taped them off, and then used Zero-Rust black primer and Seymour GM chassis black, both out of a spray can (the GM chassis black color has a bit of a shine to it), and sprayed away. I thought the wheels turned out quite nicely and have received compliments on them from others as well. Those earlier SSI wheels are less labor-intensive to do as the only painted parts are the 5 segments in the center of the wheel - the rim is chrome inside and out.

Randy C.

 

If you're looking for something you can pick up at the local parts store, try Dupli-Color Engine Enamel with Ceramic - DE 1634 Low Gloss Black. Looks great on those rims and in the engine bay. I'm sure we all have our preferences and that's mine! Also, I've tried the masking kit to mask off the spokes when painting the centers but have had just as much luck with blue painters tape and a fresh razor blade.

 

Same with me on the blue masking tape. No need to spend the extra money on the kit. Masking is tedious but it works fine even if you get a little paint where it's not supposed to go - it comes off easy with a rag and a little lacquer thinner.

Randy C.

 

Just so we're all on the same page here, I believe the OP is discussing the SS1 all chrome wheel with the blacked out centers around the lug nut area, no trim ring. The PO5 (similar looking design) optional wheel (early 71 production only) takes the trim ring. Im not sure about the OEM paint scheme on those wheels.

 

Here is what I did to mine SS1 wheels:

1. Two layers of duct tape on the spokes, carefully trimmed

2. Light sandblasting to remove all of the original paint

3. Cleaned thoroughly with soapy water and dried.

4. used wax and grease remover on sandblasted areas.

5. Two coats of Duplicolor self etching primer

6. Two coats of Eastwood Rally Wheel black.

 

If you are looking to "have it done" I would recommend that you consider having them powder coated. It will last forever.

 

Thanks for the input, hope to start on the wheels this weekend

 

Anyone know if the original paint applied to the pockets was enamal or lacqure?

 

 

 

Under the black on the center "hub" it is copper plated during the chrome process 4 the spokes. I shot peened between the spokes and left THAT pounded copper color has held up as you see in picture OVER Decade AgoGo The outside LOW gloss black 4 me NO trim rings....




SAME ON THE BACK

 

Painted the HOOP Not the Hub