Roadster Wheel Question

[kurzheck]

I have what is probably a stupid question...
Why do the majority of cars in the classic roadster period have gold painted wheels?

Thanks, Trevor

[Chris]

Trevor, Most of the Halibrand wheels, Indy and Drag that I have been in contact with were not painted gold but to protect the Magnesium they were coated with a Zinc Alloy to protect the metal from corrosion, Magnesium tends to turn a Ugly Gray if not treated.. Chris

[Chris]

I guess I could have told you what to use to simulate the coating... Model Master Jet Exhaust is close . I mixed up a batch using 2 parts Gold, 1 part Silver, 1/2 part brown and a touch of Black. Adjust to your tastes.. Not legal in some states.....

[kurzheck]

Chris,

Thanks for the info and tip. I assume it's a similar anti-corrosion coating to the gold coloured nuts and bolts I have in my parts dept.

Trev

[Chris]

Its actually the same stuff they dip new carbs in Rochester and Holley use it a lot..Chris

[Art Laski]

Feb 4, 2011 12:59:53 GMT -5 Chris said:

I guess I could have told you what to use to simulate the coating... Model Master Jet Exhaust is close .

This is exactly what I just used on my Revell Midget wheels and it looks pretty close to me.

-Art

[Deleted]

What I use to a minor success, I first paint primer, then testors silver then Model Master Magnesium with 1 third brass mixed in with it.

Just a thought since the rims were really magnesium.

Russ

[Art Laski]

I misspoke- I used Model Master Burnt Metal on my midget wheels. It's a little more subtle than the full-on gold look you might want on a roadster, but looks pretty good on the midget. I like the sound of Russ' formula. I might try that if I can ever get around to doing a roadster!

Art

[2lapsdown]

I work at Lowes and Valspar makes a spray can color called Brushed Nickel. It appears to have a slight gold tint to it. I'm thinking of giving it a try on something else to see how it looks. Just my 2 cents worth.

John

[Chris]

Let us know how you like it.. I found some VHT Cast Metal- Carb and Alternator restoration paint that is right on. I had a can, moved and never found it again. VHT makes a whole line of restoration spray cans like GM semi-gloss black, Cast Manifold silver etc. They can be hard to find because they are expensive and have a small following but they are out there and work great.

[clm1545]

Eastwood has a lot of that type of coating. They have tools and products for car restorers. The site is eastwood.com I think.
Take Care
Craig