Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

My alloys are possibly original, well at least 30 years old but in good condition just needs repainting. I've spoken to one place and he won't do them as thinks might be too much magnesium in the ally which would become porous if acid dipped and powder coated. Wondering what the concensus is and others have done as don't want to risk messing them up.
Thanks
Alan.

Have you considered vapor blasting for paint removal? Then mask, repaint with a good quality wheel paint such as Wurth. Then polish the bare metal with alu polish.

+1 a good wheel paint and for me not powder epoxy.
When i did a set for a 1973 +2S130 for the part hidden under Tyre i used a paint for alloy radiators.

Sorry to say this but the Hub and Spinner are fitted on the wrong side. You have fitted righthand thread Spinner on the left side of your car. On the lefthand side it should be lefthand thread. the Hub should have red paint for left side and green for right side. On Lotus Elans and +2 Elans they are the opposite to Triumph, mgb or Jags.
Alan

Vapour blast then using a mini DA sander (I use an air DA with 2" pad) start with a 60 grit then work up to as high as you need to achieve the best possible finish. Then mask off the polished areas (time consuming but using a razor blade very easy to achieve perfect edges). Spray on a couple of coats of acid etch primer followed by a good quality paint. I have used VHT satin black wheel paint with good results. I have completed many sets of Dunlop D1 alloys using this method with very good results.

This is what I expected, powdercoat is not the way to go.
Hi Alan, the photo is of the right hand rear wheel been like this for over 10 years and thread direction matches the front.

Sorry i thought it was the front wheel
Alan

That's ok Alan, always a good idea to mention it if there's any doubts as we know what would happen if it was wrong

I used these people for my wheel refurb over 10 years ago https://www.lepsons.com/

Admittedly the wheels were more modern Minilite lookalikes, but the finish was and still is amazing. They will do painted, diamond cut, polished whatever you want, I'm sure with their experience they would do a good job no matter what the wheel.

four wheels will cost you about £500 including removing and refitting tyres

I had a set powder coated, blasted them then baked at 475 degrees to out gas them and then powder coated them. the mag will hold up just fine. I have done 3 sets of mageseum wheels with no problems.