C-4 Wheel clear coat

[John D.]

Has anyone stripped and put new clear coat on their C-4 wheels. I was wondering if there is a specific goup of products or procedure that works best.

Thanks

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-4 Wheel clear coat

I have stripped and clear coated alloy wheels, but not on a Corvette. There shouldn't be any difference in the materials or technique.

I used PPG Concept 2021 urethane automotive clear, and applied three wet coats directly onto the polished aluminum. My experience was that the wheels looked very nice afterward, but I did have some wholesale clear sloughing off around the rim on two wheels. One of the wheels had a tire change, and that probably contributed, but another wheel also had clear flaking off the rim. It's possible I left some oil and grease remover on the surface of those wheels...the surface has to be absolutely free of any oils or contaminants if the paint is going to adhere.

If I set out to repeat this task, I would do the following:

(1) Consult PPG Technical Services for recommended products and procedures.

(2) Make absolutely sure the wheel surface is squeaky clean before painting; a final wipe down of alcohol immediately wiped dry would be my preference.

(3) Apply no more than two wet coats.

[Dick W.]

Re: C-4 Wheel clear coat

Aluminum will have to be acid etched to get paint to adhere. I have used a diluted solution of 10% aluminum prep and 90% water. Be sure to wet the wheel with water prior to washing with the etch. DO NOT let the solution dry on the wheel. Once the water is dry, wipe down and spray as usual. Since you have not sanded the wheel you do not get a mechanical bond, you must depend on a chemical bond.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-4 Wheel clear coat

Aluminum prep...PPG sells that stuff; I forget the number. I believe it's basically phosphoric acid, but diluted, probably has little visible effect on the polished appearance. I wish I had known that bit of information.

[Todd H.]

Re: C-4 Wheel clear coat

I used high temp engine clear on the machined surfaces of a new set of of Torq-Thrust D wheels. Nearly 10 years later they still look great, no yellowing or peeling.