Good advice from Bob,
These wheels were originally powder coated. An exact color match is difficult. The Mercedes-Benz re-finishing manual back in those days advises painting with astral silver #9735 after sanding, priming, filling if needed and resanding. ****Star Magazine Nov./Dec. "94"
Since these times powder coating has become much more widespread. Custom color matches are possible. It is the best option.
The next best is the process is painting, but use a good industrial grade or automotive grade two part painting system. Epoxy paints, and good two part urethane enamels work well. A couple heavy coats of clear over the metalic color is needed for best results. Some metalic powder coats also require a protective clear powder coat over the color coat.
Your wheels take more abuse from weather and road dirt than any other surface on your car. Avoid using strong chemicals and keep them clean or the finish will suffer. At least use a good grade of spray wax on them when you wax the rest of the car, the wheel surface needs more protection than anything else!
When I have my wheels off the car, I clean and wax the insides of the rims also. This makes road dirt and grime easier to remove next time and protects the rims. Maybe Bob G. can recomend some products and procedures?
Bead or media blasting is and execellent preparation before refinishing.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
