Rubi Rim Restoration? (Pics)

TJamz · 12-13-2009, 08:32 PM

I'm picking up these Rubicon rims for farly cheap. And for obvious reasons. Any tips on restoring these? I'll most likely take them into a local rim shop for restoration but was wondering if any of the jeepfoum gurus have ideas. Didn't really find any good writups on the subject so thought this would make a good thread.

Here's the pics:

There not in TO bad of shape. Def restorable. So what do you guys/gals think?

**Sobie** · 12-13-2009, 08:45 PM

I say hit them with sandpaper then rattle-can them with some durable paint that leaves a light texture behind. This way you can touch them up after later damage and the texture will hide some imperfections. The duplicolor truck bed coating is fairly durable for a rattlecan paint if you prep it properly. Its black, has an eggshell sheen, and a very light texture.

**2jhanna** · 12-13-2009, 08:57 PM

i had the same problem with my canyons where the clear coat "bubbled". if you do a search, you will see where many here have painted theirs black. i used a satin black, looks good and easy touch up after a balance.

here is a good link

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/pa...cluded-876260/

IBreakStuff · 12-13-2009, 09:00 PM

I bought some gamble rims that were rough looking it was mostly because of the clear coat or whatever it is they put over the aluminum from the factory, i hit all the rims with aircraft stripper(with the plane on the can) in the spray can and scraped/pressure washed them off. they looked like new(other than really deep gouges) but i painted them black anyway.

i say strip them down with the aircraft stripper,see how they look and decide where you wanna go from there.

**LuckRider** · 12-13-2009, 09:02 PM

You could also paint them a nice gray or argent color. What color Jeep do you have? That is a pretty important factory in deciding color since black IS overplayed some.

GunmetalTJ · 12-13-2009, 09:17 PM

You can also sand them down then gradually keep buffing the shine back with finer compounds then hit a coat of clear over that when you get them to where you want them, I recommend using Eastwood Metal Clear in a spray can. I would only do this if you are not going off high way with them, if you are going to wheel them and get in any mud then you are going to scratch the clear and you will be right back where you are now. If you are going to wheel them then paint them black or graphite or what ever you think would look good. Hope that helps.

TJamz · 12-13-2009, 10:38 PM

My jeep is black so yes def overplayed. I'll see how much to restore then decide from there. I really like the "natural" look of rubi rims but If I were to paint I think a charcoal grey color would look sharp.

**LuckRider** · 12-13-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamzjeep

My jeep is black so yes def overplayed. I'll see how much to restore then decide from there. I really like the "natural" look of rubi rims but If I were to paint I think a charcoal grey color would look sharp.

x2 for the charcoal gray. If you get the darkest Rustoleum Hammered paint, it has a charcoal like color. It isn't anywheres near as dark as a dark gray or black, but it sure looks good.

Coops · 12-13-2009, 10:48 PM

Regina Wheel Works, it's close enough for you to send them there and they do really good work. I was told to send them there rather than any place in Calgary.

87warrior · 12-13-2009, 11:05 PM

Check out the Dluplicolor wheel paint. They have all sorts of colors. I am currently restoring some rock rashed Moabs for my MJ. Will be using the 'Silver' Duplicolor wheel paint since it is almost identical to the later year Moabs that were painted.

TJamz · 12-13-2009, 11:40 PM

There's a Wheel Works in Sherwood park right here in Edmonton. Highly recommeded on local forums. The guy selling me the rims said they can restore these for $50ish a wheel. I'm calling them tommorow for a price quote. Nice rims btw. How much did you pay Coops? If you don't mind me asking.

Coops · 12-14-2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamzjeep

There's a Wheel Works in Sherwood park right here in Edmonton. Highly recommeded on local forums. The guy selling me the rims said they can restore these for $50ish a wheel. I'm calling them tommorow for a price quote. Nice rims btw. How much did you pay Coops? If you don't mind me asking.

Was about $300 for the 5 wheels used, but they had a bit of rock rash. To get them fixed they had to do some welding on them though. Fixing them was a bit more than $50 a wheel. They ended up really nice but I don't know if I'd do it again.

With 285/75R16's you won't get chains on the back if you need them for winter wheeling. You could use spacers though......

ryan2022 · 12-14-2009, 10:28 AM

Those definetely arent that bad.

I would get some aircraft stripper (the spray on stuff works great)

And buff them.

Actually, PM me if you want help with the job. I've done a few sets and can walk you through it.

Hanson · 12-14-2009, 10:31 AM

I have used Duponts truck bed coating on wheels for my fire engine...it holds up really well and has a good texture to hide any flaws. I liked it so much that I am using it on my roll bar and the insides of my fender wells. $10.00 for a can and the nice thing is...If it chips...$10.00 to fix.