Wheel finishes

NPC59D · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 11:21 AM

Dear all,

My car is now almost ready for paint and it's looking like I am going to have it finished in Black.

My car is a homage to an early 'Street 427, with a chassis number lower than CSX3110, so it carries narrow Halibrands all round. They're currently finished in satin black, but I'm thinking that whilst a black Cobra with black wheels will look mean, it might not necessarily look period-authentic and I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard.

Now, I'm not trying to create a car that looks like it did in 1965/6, but I do want it to look like how it would have when it was maybe 4 or 5 years old.

On that basis, what would you guys do with the wheels?

I guess I have 3 options:

1) Get them blasted and then put a clear coat on, once they weather a little.

2) Refinish them in a mid silver gray (centres & rims) so they're not too bright.

3) Leave them satin black and stop whining!

I've thought about fitting Sunbursts, but as a very early Street car, I'm happy to keep it on Halibrands, and save myself $4000 on buying yet more wheels.

Any thoughts would be welcome!

66gtk · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 11:38 AM

If the satin black is applied well, run them. If you don't like them after the car is done you can experiment with different colors using Plastidip until you find what you like. I had a black 427 with black Halibrands (polished lips) and I liked it a lot!

66gtk · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 11:43 AM

Another nice look that is an affordable alternative to the Sunbursts is to run FIA style wheels on your street car. Some 427s came with them and they are a nice natural finish that will patina as hard as you like and also clean up fairly well with proper wheel cleaner. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked my FIA wheel choice for my street car. I'd do it again over Sunbursts in a heartbeat as it also allowed me to put on wider tires in the back.

NPC59D · #4 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 12:05 PM

My god, that's a fine looking 427!!! You're right; the current satin black finish has been very well applied, so I'll see how it looks once the car is painted. If it's too much, then I can refinish as appropriate - I do like the natural finish of the FIA's and would seek to emulate that on my Halibrands. Thank you!

Once it's painted, I'll share an image. This is what it currently looks like - note the non tapered front wing flares of the very early Street cars up to 3109...

Alfa02 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 01:37 PM

This is mine with the Rocket Racing Sunbrusts, as I'm building a 427 street car too. These are well made (plus reasonable price), BUT only in 15x7, or 15x8, so may not work for your app. I can run 275, in the rear, a buddy did have 295's, on his 8" wheel. Very happy with the fit & finish of these. I was around in the late 60's, early 70's, can't remember anybody with black wheel's back then, we still polished them. Just my $.02, Tom.

289 Mk111 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 02:44 PM

Hi
I have gone for the stripped look, ?

NPC59D · #7 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 03:06 PM

Hi 289Mk111,

That's exactly what I had in mind and if I don't keep the black finish, this is what I'll go for. Maybe I'll get some Sunbursts too in the future, along with some Blue Dot's. But not quite yet!

Thank you all for your input; very much appreciated!

lee

1985 CCX · #8 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 05:00 PM

These are natural FIA (race wheels) in mag... Oiled only

NPC59D · #9 (**permalink**) 02-06-2018, 07:56 AM

Jeff

I love your car; it's look and feel is absolutely perfect.

Lee

ZOERA-SC7XX · #10 (**permalink**) 02-06-2018, 10:49 AM

FIA wheels are nice, or just use the std. aluminum wheels w/grey centers like mine. I've never gotten tired of them. Black centers are a little overwhelming, IMO.

LMH · #11 (**permalink**) 02-06-2018, 01:18 PM

Sand blast them and let them age naturally. That’s my preference anyway.
Larry

ACHiPo · #12 (**permalink**) 02-07-2018, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

These are natural FIA (race wheels) in mag... Oiled only

Jeff,
I like the look. What’s involved in oiling wheels? What’s the purpose of the oil? What kind do you use?

289 Mk111 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-09-2018, 01:40 AM

With Blasted wheels... has any one used ACF-50 protection,
Its been recommended and appears to be big with the bikers on alumnium?

cheers
Steve

vntgspd · #14 (**permalink**) 02-09-2018, 05:35 PM

Stumbled on this one in the gallery and remembered this thread. Black on black for your consideration...

CSX3197_at_SAAC31 - Club Cobra Photo Gallery

1985 CCX · #15 (**permalink**) 02-10-2018, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACHiPo

Jeff,
I like the look. What’s involved in oiling wheels? What’s the purpose of the oil? What kind do you use?

These wheels are Magnesium.
All you do is penetrating oil soak wipe and use gun oil follow up annually.
Oil keeps corrosion away and keeps them fresh.

LMH · #16 (**permalink**) 02-14-2018, 08:58 PM

Armrer pointed out to me that Vintage Engineering can do a wheel finish that replicates a magnesium finish. Might be something to talk to them about if interested.
Larry

ACHiPo · #17 (**permalink**) 02-15-2018, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMH

Armrer pointed out to me that Vintage Engineering can do a wheel finish that replicates a magnesium finish. Might be something to talk to them about if interested.
Larry

Those are cool looking! I've seen other wheels with "magnesium finish" that look yellow/gold, kinda like dirty chromate. These wheels look much closer to that "rode hard and put away wet" look.