Hi All -
The red car pictured below has been my inspiration for a while. It is a factory Carrera. While incorrectly finished, one of the things I really like are the wheels. They are the two piece version - steel centers riveted to aluminum outers. Had a chat with some guys over on the 356 registry and I was told that "back in the day" this finish was not uncommon - guys would polish up the aluminum outers. Thought I would try to replicate that look.
My first thought was just buy a set of chrome wheels and paint the centers. I did a test on an old chrome 4 bolt wheel, and it just didn't look right. Chrome is so much more blue and mirrored than aluminum.
Went to our local powder coater and showed him what I was after. He actually got into it and started mixing things together. This is what he came up with. it is a mixture of "chrome" and silver powder, with just a bit of yellow. I am really pleased - you would have to really look close to notice they were not actual aluminum. I masked off the outers and hit the centers with the usual Wurth wheel paint. here is the end result! Will get the tires remounted on Saturday and post some additional pics.....
