I plan on making a commitment on a new set of wheels by the end of the month but am undecided on the center finish. Ideally I would want a finish that can reasonably withstand brake dust, has a bright finish and compliment the high polished lip. So, my options are as follows:

High Polished finish
Brushed
Chrome

I will be replacing my brake pads to Mintex or Hawk HP which supposedly disburse lower brake dust and keep the performance. The wheels will also be waxed before installation on the 996.

 

Was there a question, or was that just an FYI message?

 

personally like the brushed finish, not a big fan of chrome.

 

I'm a polish kind of guy myself..... But every so often it's an hour per wheel keeping them clean.....

-Eli

 

Interested in opinions and feedback geared towards the maintanence of the wheels. How long does it take to clean them, I heard the wheels will bubble if brake dust gets underneath the chrome.

 

Polished with clear coat, no muss, no fuss. Hose it off and go.

 

I have 19" HRE 545r wheels with polish lips and painted silver centers. I just wash the wheel weekly with a separate bucket and wash mit. I have had them for 6 months and no issues at all. I spend less than 2 min. per wheel to clean.

 

Are we talking about centers or rims?....centers can be anything you like.
On rims....correct me if I'm wrong......but have you found anyone that suggests 'Brushed' without also clear-coating?.........be very careful in making that selection, I could go on from my personal experience....RayGT3, can you share how long you've had your 'cleared-polished'?.....and what make they are?

You do not want to chrome......aside from the rice-bling factor (depending on your point of view ) chrome takes it's toll on metal strength (that you need with today's flat lip reverse drop) and there is no 'easy' repair of a rashed chrome rim.

Downside of polished is they may be 'shinier' that you like when cleaned & polished.....that's your call. Upkeep is not bad....like anything else on your car, you can get it down to a weekly 10 minute ritual.

 

I've had the HRE's about 5 years, the rim portion are not coated but the centers are (per HRE). They have held up very well and just this year the edges of the centers are beginning to to get frosted from exposure to small stones etc., They will need to be cleaned up at some point but 6 years is pretty good service

 

Thanks Ray. Yep, clear-coat for the centers seems to make sence.
I also have polished rims (traditional step lip) on the cab......and on that car, painted & cleared centers. Has stood up well.

 

painted center or brushed center (both should be clearcoated as standard). polished lip

 

Thanx for all the feedback