Mustang Wheel Repair & Restoration

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
41,931
17,545
224
Massachusetts
#1
Picked up a set of '98 Cobra wheels. They need a little TLC so this thread will detail my failures and successes of restoring them back to somewhat like new condition.

Restoring a set of argent 91-93 pony wheels should be same process...if you didn't want to buy a new set

The subject wheel. Greasy, covered in red brake dust/rust with some minor curb rash


What it needs the most is a fresh coat of paint, but I'll need to fill and sand some minor rash areas like this

 
#2
First up, cleaning. Quick powerwash followed by a cleaning with Iron-X which really does a good job breaking down the brake dust. Then a hand sand with a sanding sponge on the barrel and inside and scotch brite on the face

Iron X application


Much better
 
#3
After initial sanding. Not going crazy here just wanted to clean it up a tad before i try to repair the rash




Next up...filling in some of the curbing damage
 
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#5
Davedacarpainter said:
Cool Mike, I'm looking forward to the curb rash repair.

You can't stop yourself though........can you?.......lol
Click to expand...


No. I always need a project. Something to plan out and perform with meticulous attention to detail.


I should really hone my curb rash repair technique on the cracked rim first. I have a plan but I'd hate to ruin the good wheels if it doesn't work out.
 
Reactions: 1 user
#6
Rainy night here, so I spent a little time on some additional sanding on this rim

I used scotch brite on the face of the wheel, and a sanding block for the barrel and inside portion. Did it in a slop sink with some water and spent maybe 10-15 minutes to get it to this point. Just need to find a tool to get inside the lug holes.




I used Marine HB weld as filler. I went with the "less is more" approach and put on as little as possible to repair the curb rash and some dents in the spokes.





Finished and set aside for 24-48 hours to fully cure. You can see I didn't do much to this wheel, just the edge and a few small spots

 
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Reactions: 1 user
#7
The paint supplies. I'm curious to see how this will turn out so I decided to try a test wheel first. I want to know if I even need clear with the Motorcraft paint



Subject test wheel. Decent wall-hanger pony wheel with faded paint and a new, NOS (of course) center cap. Could use a fresh coat of paint.



No real prep was done to this wheel. Didn't even scotch brite the surface. I just want to see how the final product will look.

Thin coat of primer.



Tomorrow is set to be very humid, so I may delay a day or two to spray the Motorcraft argent paint on. I want to make sure conditions are right
 
Reactions: 2 users
#9
Shakerhood said:
Looks really good brother, was expecting to see you tig weld the road rash areas, curious how that Marine Weld will hold up.
Click to expand...

I would if I had a welder. I don't....yet. So therefore I need to use other options.

I'm curious to see as well if it holds up. The rash is light cosmetic stuff, and not very deep at all, so I hope it sticks fine and doesn't get damaged when a tire gets mounted. I found a number of posts that swear by the Marine spec JB weld and it holding up fine. We shall see.

I'm also curious to see how easy it will be to sand/shape it when it cures.

A welder is on my list of things to buy once I finish wiring up the garage for 20A circuits and a few 220v outlets.
 
Reactions: 1 user
#10
First coat of Motorcraft Argent paint. Pretty good paint. Goes on nice. Color matches the center cap very well. This pic below is pretty accurate to in person



I'll do another thin coat in the AM and then decide if I want to do the clear coat.

Color isn't 100% match to the Cobra wheel, but I like the nice clean new shade of argent. Will look good.



At $20 a can, if not going to go too crazy painting this pony wheel. I will paint both sidew of the Cobra wheel however. If I can get two done per canill be happy
 
Reactions: 2 users
#11
Given that this wheel is a test, I accelerated my painting.

Decided to try the clear coat. Definitely added some depth and shine to the wheel. The color matches the center cap, but if I was redoing the pony wheels to actually use I'd have to clear the cap. Compare to photo above of the Argent paint only. It's flatter



Compared to the Cobra wheel. Not 100% the same but I do like the brighter color.



JB weld not fully cured. No sanding yet. Stay tuned.

PS....clearcoat....or no clearcoat?
 
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Reactions: 1 user
#14
I wonder if that cobra wheel changed color alittle due to age? Maybe it was that bright and the silver turned darker from brake dust/road grime and sun? Dont forget that is what at least 15 years old?

Anyway looks great what you did so far!
 
#15
HotFox said:
I wonder if that cobra wheel changed color alittle due to age? Maybe it was that bright and the silver turned darker from brake dust/road grime and sun? Dont forget that is what at least 15 years old?

Anyway looks great what you did so far!
Click to expand...

I'm sure that might be part of it. That wheel was really dirty and coated with brake dust when I got it, plus I sanded/scuffed the face a bit. Color may not be what it was 20 years ago.

Took a photo of the completed test rim in the morning sunlight. It's a nice clean, new, shade. I like it.



Still waiting on the JB weld to fully cure. Might give it the weekend to be sure. Then I'll begin sanding to shape
 
Reactions: 1 user
#17
DSB88GT said:
Looks fantastic! How many cans of the paint would I need to refurb all 4 of my Pony's?
Click to expand...

1-2 is my guess. I'm hoping for two wheels painting face and backside per can. Perhaps if you did face only, should be able to stretch 1 can.

I'll know more when I paint the Cobra wheels. I have two to do.
 
Reactions: 1 user
#20
r4sedan said:
Will that clear be durable, being it's not a 2-part clear? It might also yellow on you.
Click to expand...

No idea. That's why I did a test wheel first. The Motorcraft paint looked pretty damn good as it is without the clear.

To be honest, the oem rim looks a tad yellowed anyway. Not that I want this to yellow.

I may not use it. Might find myself a self etching primer as well
 
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