Wheels repainting

[Michael Hogan <mikhogan@stic.net>]

>Hi folks,
>    I'm currently in the process of having my wheels refinished. For those
>who have followed my saga from looking at aftermarket wheels to this stage,
>the rationality is simply budget forced. A friend of mine is refinishing
>them only for the cost of materials. 
>
>Now that the wheels have been sanded down (both by hand and in a blasting
>cabinet at 180 psi). It's down to a paint choice. 

I'm ready to paint mine too (ronals from CGT).  Chemically stripped them
then bead blasted them.  Sure could have used a 180 psi air compressor. ;)

>
>My choices are to repaint the original Pearl White or to go with Audi
>Silver. I was rather surprised at the cost of the paints. This is only for
>a quart! 
>
>$158 for the Pearl
>$119 for the Silver

I'm quite surprised, too.

>
>That price includes all three coats and some other stuff (including
>reducer) to do the job right. I figured I would just go for the original
>color since it really isn't that big of a jump in price. I couldn't think
>of any other colors that would look reasonable on the car. 

My coupe is (tornado?) red.  Was thinking of painting the rims the same
color.  Is this sin?  Opinions please.  Maybe those wheel-matching computers
they have at tire shops could help me visualize red rims. redrim! redrim!

>I'm looking for any feedback regarding color choice and pricing, BTDT's, or
>just plain rambling. I'll be ordering the paint by 12 EST tommorow. Thanks
>for any advice!

Me too, especially about the primer used for this.  I recall someone mentioned
"epoxy wash" or something...

Michael Hogan
87 CGT