Original Magnesium Halibrand Wheels - maintenance

[cobra de capell]

Also posted in the Wheel section......

I have a set of original Magnesium Halibrand Wheels on my Cobra that need attention. The two back wheels have small pockets in them and the solution appears to be to have someone spin them, taking off a small amount of magnesium to make them smooth again. I've found someone who is willing to do it.

My question - the centers are painted black and have been for years. At this point, would it be wise to have the paint removed and the entire wheel polished or re-paint the center?

Any input will be appreciated.....I just don't know what route is best and why.

[double ugly]

I might add that you should have them crack checked.
John

[cobra de capell]

Originally Posted by double ugly

I might add that you should have them crack checked.
John

I will, but they really don't have many miles on them with my Cobra with only 10K, but they came from another source.

[1985 CCX]

My vote would be go for the original look!
Dow#7 or similar gold with less toxic effects...........


I would leave the outer lip tarnished as it adds the original look. You can always restore them but you can't unrestore them.

[cobra de capell]

Are those originals? Is the material in the center also Magnesium? It's sort of look gold, right? WOW - I wonder what condition my centers are in after being painting all these years.

Thanks, I need to check this out when I have them spun.

[1985 CCX]

Original Magnesium wheels were coated with Dow#7. It was a chromate based material, toxic, that protected the delicate magnesium. The wheels were dipped and entirely gold. The lip would be polished, that person must have had a short life.

I painted my aluminum centers to match as I like the look. Many cars ended up either totally raw, white, or black.

[cobra de capell]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Original Magnesium wheels were coated with Dow#7. It was a chromate based material, toxic, that protected the delicate magnesium. The wheels were dipped and entirely gold. The lip would be polished, that person must have had a short life.

I painted my aluminum centers to match as I like the look. Many cars ended up either totally raw, white, or black.

Hmmmm......so, I'm thinking that I'll just continue with painting the centers black - it's a good look and probably a lot less maintenance over time. Thanks.