Bimmer32

I have a set of Radenergie R10 that needed refinishing. Originally, the lip was machined finished (sort of like a very fine LP record surface) with a polished edge (like chrome but machined polished) which gave a nice subtle contrast. The whole lip was clear coated.

I had them refinish because of clear coat peeling and curb/tire replacement abuse. When I got them back, the whole lip is polished and clear coated. The part where it was originally machined finished (or diamond cut) now looks like a bunch of micron scratches in differing direction when you look at it close up. I'm not sure if it was still dirty and not washed that it looked like that, but I was not too happy. They did a good job of refinishing the edge of the lip, but now, the whole lip is polished, and there are no more subtle contrast of metal polishes.

Should I just say screw it, and move on, or make these guys redo it to spec? Is diamond cutting (machined finished) harder to do or about the same? What do you guys/gals prefer on your rim lips?

Thanks for your input.

EuroCarFan

I'd make them redo it if you're not satisfied cause you should get what you paid for.

As for which would be nicer, that's a personal debate but polished lips will get scratched over time as you clean off brake dusts etc but chrome will always look new; it's just more expensive to repair chromed lips though.

C's Bimmer

I have the R10's too and was tired of cleaning the polished lips. I finally decided to have them completely rebuilt and refinished. Here's a little snap shot of what they currently look like.

Bimmer32

I am not a big fan of chrome even though it is more expensive to repairs. I am going to see what it looks like after it gets cleaned up. Initially, I thought it makes the wheels look cheap with all polished lip, but maybe it just in my head. What do you prefer?

tonymac

Enough with the teasers!!!

Bimmer32

[quote name='C's Bimmer' timestamp='1304137435' post='1336718']
I have the R10's too and was tired of cleaning the polished lips. I finally decided to have them completely rebuilt and refinished. Here's a little snap shot of what they currently look like.

Thanks, I saw that in your teaser thread. I was thinking of it before to do similar to that . . . a gunmetal color and finish. That's what I like about BMW brakes. When I clean my rim, it looks good. When I don't clean them, they continue to look good with the coated brakes dust. I am OK with the shine, but probably prefer the semi dull look of diamond cut (machine finished).

svtla

I have a full polish Iforged wheels and they are a pain to keep clean but love the look. Get polish if you have the patience to keep them clean. I have to wipe it down every other day to keep looking good.

inktoxicated

i have polished/cleared lips. looks good. not to blingy at all

Bimmer32

Machined finished was hard to keep clean as well. I often left it unclean which gave it a gun metal look. I think all lipped wheels are hard to keep them clean.

I agree. Chrome is too blingy. Polished is less so, but the average person probably cannot tell the difference.