I have 172's that I was going to have refinished due to curb rash but am having second thoughts because I thought they were pretty fragile. They'd probably get messed up again pretty fast. My previous cars wheels were not painted and thus even when curbed the paint didn't chip off in chunks.
I was wondering if 167's are painted? From pics it looks like they are painted on the inside of the spokes but not the lip and face?
Are the 167's more durable?

 

The 167's are forged and hence, lighter & stronger. They are also more expensive than the other cast wheels we typically see. And you are correct about the finish....brushed on the outer face and painted a bit darker on the inner area.

A set through Gary of Newport would run about $2400.