hello again fellow enthusiasts,
i wish to refinish the wheels of my '82 240 myself. any advice as far as cleaners and what type of paint or finish to use will be greatly appreciated.
Thx,
arhat

You didn't say if you have steel or alloy wheels, but ...
I have refurbed 4 or 5 sets of alloys, even blasted the first set myself in the backyard. Wouldn't recommend doing that, but it definitely pays to have them bead blasted - $10 to $15 a wheel is good. I have used Krylon for the last three sets (many coats of primer, 2 or three of pigment, and a few of clear) with good results. Stands up to our snow, sleet and salt winters quite well. Good luck.

thanks for the info!

I've got an 84 with the "Corona" alloy wheels. The clear coat wore off years and they look like crap. I had one bead blasted so far and cleaned off the face
surface with sandpaper. 3 more to go. When they are done I am getting these powder coated. Paint will not stick to these. Also you can't acid dip alloy wheels, it ruins them. Check around for a sandblasting shop if you don't have one. Bead blasting is better. I am paying $40 for sandblasting and $60 for powder coating by the time it's done. $100 is cheaper then new wheels.
My only dilemma is the color. Silver, chrome-look or gold.
Good Luck,
Ben

Clean them thoroughly to begin. The atack any dents/scuffs on the edge. Minor dents on steel rims can be hammered straight, alloys will require professional attention. Minor scuffing on the edge of alloys can be rectified with a fine file. Then slap a brass cup brush on the old drill (gloves, goggles and bullet proof vest a must!) and attack the wheels to remove as much corrosion/old paint as poss. Then attack with the wet and dry paper using progressively fine grades as you go. If you've done a good job on alloys then a little metal polish followed by a coat of clear lacquer will finish them. Otherwise, a coat of silver paint and clear top coat can be used on both alloys and steel rims. for a minor outlay you could get your local tyre emporium to remove the tyres (a good idea no matter which method of refinishing you choose) and it then houldn't cost much to have them bead blasted. Saves a lot of grief for the sake of 30 or 40 dollars.

Regards,

Big Rich.
--
'86 245, B230A. 161k. Old 200s never die, they just live on in other cars.