Pony wheel resto/clean up

[mlowe6417]

First time posting a thread, but as I go down this journey I’ll be sure to update of what works and what don’t. I have an 85 GT hatch, and it came with pony wheels that have seen better days, and the tires are splitting so I figured I would try one wheel before I go get tires and have to tape every thing off, A somewhat clean set in my area is anywhere between 6-800 bucks, of course I could buy new ones but what is the fun in that.
I did my research with colors and online help of course
So far:
First Never underestimate what someone has done in the past for paint on the wheels, the type of paint, primer etc, if you don’t know what’s there for sure, clean and scuff, spray little and check.
I started with the wheels, and it didn’t seem as if they had ever been touched up, did have some scratches though, mainly superficial, I sanded and used scratch filler primer until it was smooth with 400 grit sand paper, I used VHT which is actually a really good product and will lay nicely as long as it is prepped, I used VHT Ford argent silver, I got one wheel complete and sanded it again with 600 before clear. I also used VHT clear. I even did the plastic cap and just taped the tri-bar and horse, it actually came out beautifully, not a bumble, run, nothing. I let it sit in garage overnight and when I wheeled it out this morning to see in the sun that’s when I realized Ford argent silver is not even close to correct, much much darker. They just didnt look right at all. I do know now that there is 3 different argent silvers. So let the stripping begin, I knew I had used a self etching primer, scratch filler, then several coats of paint and clear. I just didn’t like the color. I’m stripping it back down to bare aluminum then I’ll do it again. I know some may say why not just sand and redo in the correct color, well there is at least a minimum the original Ford sealer, primer, paint then mine. Most online sources are out of the Chrysler argent or equivalent, even LMR is out of stock. I’ll call the Mopar dealer tomorrow to see if they have some.

i posted a picture of the VHT Ford argent silver to show the color issue

[mlowe6417]

Just updating with pics along the way. I did take some harsh chemicals and lots of sanding but at least I only am doing this to two of the wheels, after doing this I may opt for the $150 for new caps unless I can find some rather clean ones around me.

[bwguardian]

I did this when I went through my 85 GT vert many years ago. I had the guy that painted the car shoot the white base and clear coat to match. However, what I did for the center caps was to remove the center pony...melted the attachments on the back from what I remember...then glued them back in place afterwards...

[KevinVarnes]

I'm not sure what color the pony wheels are supposed to be, but several years ago I took the wheels off of my '93 SuperCoupe and cleaned them up to replace the 15" wheels on my '97 T-Bird. The finish on the wheels was pretty rough, but the wheels themselves were in pretty good shape. It took a lot of paint stripper to break through the factory powder coat. I probably had 5 coats of primer on them. I used the Rustoleum silver wheel paint and I cannot tell the difference between that and the original silver powder coat that was on them. I used 5 coats of color and 3 coats of their clear wheel paint. It has held up shockingly well and that is on a car that is driven year round in this pit of hell called Michigan. It is a fair amount of labor (mostly stripping the old finish), but for the cost and durability you can't beat it.

[mlowe6417]

I have thought about shooting them in white, but it limits to specific cars and people if I ever wanted to trade or sell them. I looked into the rust oleum paint but it and I’ve used it but doesn’t seem to cover well, VHT is pretty good stuff just has to be mixed really well. Primer with an actual paint gun helps a lot though.

[mlowe6417]

This is the Biggest pain ever! Went to Napa to get the paint mixed, figured I would just shoot it with a gun vs rattle can. They can’t make it at all, gave them the PPG number, DuPont number the original DX number etc, PPG dealer has it but wants 180 for a pint no wonder the rattle can has a market right now. I am going to post all the paint codes since I’m sure others may be doing this in the future. Looks like I’ll be ordering the motorcraft rattle can paint from LMR as of right now.

Original Chrysler argent silver DX8555
Dupont 9430/9430L/9430D
PPG 33901 (not direct match but close)
Rattle can:
Krylon 1403 (not direct match but close)
Motorcraft PM-19K207-AA ( rattle can)
LMR kit (out of stock)
SEM Bumper Coater 39283 Light Titanium Metallic (Very close)

[Sask84gt]

I’m considering doing my pony wheels black. If I do I will be getting them powder coated rather than trying to spray paint them myself. No matter how hard I try I can never seen to get spray cans perfect. Lol

[mlowe6417]

So opinion question for y’all, I have the ability to get the wheels powder coated for the price of the powder, I have already found a set of cobra R replicas with tires, so looking at what would best for resale and a hookup for someone, What color would be the best to throw on the open market? They’ll powder coat what ever color I hand them, I thought about a pearl white due to it’s prob the easiest color to paint match the caps but they wouldn’t be original white ones. There is also the original argent silver color too.

[Sask84gt]

So opinion question for y’all, I have the ability to get the wheels powder coated for the price of the powder, I have already found a set of cobra R replicas with tires, so looking at what would best for resale and a hookup for someone, What color would be the best to throw on the open market? They’ll powder coat what ever color I hand them, I thought about a pearl white due to it’s prob the easiest color to paint match the caps but they wouldn’t be original white ones. There is also the original argent silver color too.

imo for resale I would keep them chrome or silver. Seems to be most popular.

[gr79]

Have VHT Ford Argent Silver on the turbines no clear, no primer. Happy with the tone.
Prior painted with Metallic Silver Metal flake. Is brighter than Argent.

[mlowe6417]

I used it, it sprays well, sand-able and looks great but it just way to dark, its more of the anthracite color.

[85WhiteGT]

For resale, factory color would be easier to sell.

[mlowe6417]

They fit, they did come off another stock foxbody though, whoever chose the offset got it perfect it seems, doesn’t rub the shock, has a solid 3/4 of an inch space, doesn’t rub inner fender well or stick out either, Wheel is 17x9 with a 285/40/17. I’ll prob step the tire down to a 275 though later down the road.