Wheel refinishing-Please educate me

I did a search of Rennlist and did not find anything. If you have a link, please post it here for my edification. I'm preparing to buy a 996.2 that has, I assume, factory gray wheels. (I don't see that on the build sheet, just "18 inch Turbo Look II Wheels") Can't stand them. I want a nice traditional aluminum finish. Found these on eBay. Seller says " they were completely stripped.... straight powdercoated..." First, gotta be careful with the Turbo II and Turbo Look II wheels. As shown at the in this pic clip and on the website (link provided), you need the part number stamped on the back of the wheel to know what you're getting, can't buy just by sight. Wassergekuhlt guide to Porsche 996 Wheels The eBay auction is for a pair of Turbo Look II's 996.362.140.04 (10") and 996.362.136.01 (8 inch). I believe these were the base wheels on the 996.2 C4S, correct me if I'm wrong. Assuming the wheels are in good shape, straight, no curb rash, here are my questions: 1) Would a high quality experienced wheel refinisher strip the wheels using shot peen or chemical bath or something else? 2) Once stripped, how is the raw aluminum finished assuming I do not want them painted? Do they HAVE to be powdercoated silver to get the finish like on the auction wheel above? What are my options? 3) Is spraying them with clear coat the final step? I spoke to a local guy today and he quoted $745 for 4 and he kept saying "paint". I couldn't get him to come off of that. I'd have to show him the actual wheels in order to pin him down on what he's going to do and how. I'd like to know a little more before we have that conversation. Another shop quoted $500 to $600 depending on the wheels, no details in that conversation. Again, he'd need to see them first. Any comments or corrections will be greatly appreciated!

There are companies that specialize in refinishing wheels in all of the major towns. Call the local Porsche dealership and local indies to see who they recomend. I have had 2 sets of Carrera 2 wheels for over two decades. Got them both refinished about 12 years ago and am about to do it again. A good shop will remove the paint, repair any rash, cracks, straightening problems, and then paint and clear coat. Can't tell you about chemicals used to strip the paint. But a reputable shop that specializes in wheels that comes used and recommended by other high end car owners should know what they are doing. One thing to be aware of is if the wheels need major repair work involving straightening, cracks, etc, you probably dont want to use that wheel on the track after its been refreshed. But the BBS turbo twists and Carrera 2s are light and extremely strong and durable wheels. To put it another way, its pretty tough to bend them. Good luck with the project.

They'll chemically strip them or use plastic blasting material to ensure that the alloy surface itself remains unaffected. It is a must that no abrasion of the alloy occurs. Clearcoating the alloy/cast surface directly is not done, as the surface ist often unsightly due to visible casting lines etc. It would need some form of polishing like done on the Carrera II 40th anniversary wheels to make the surface look nice and only clear coat them. Whether powder coated or painted, make sure that the bead seating area is NOT coated to avoid turning of the tyre under braking and thereby losing the wheel balance as well as to avoid moving the tyre bead towards the hump under 'aggresive' cornering.