636 messages,
Last post on Mar 06, 2012 at 11:43 AM
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Ford Fiesta Forum.
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Ford Fiesta, Hatchback, Sedan
Feb 19, 2011 (7:45 pm)
here's some stuff about painted alloys.
Mag wheels are automotive wheels built using a magnesium alloy that leaves the wheels lighter than other types while retaining strength throughout the wheel body. Due to the look of most mag wheels, they've gained popularity as aftermarket car add-ons, purchased primarily for the wheel appearance alone. To increase the visual impact of mag wheels, many owners have the wheels painted to complement the vehicle color. This can be an expensive process when done professionally, but you can do it yourself if you're willing to tackle the project. The paint and accessories are all available at any well-stocked auto supply store and, while the painting process can be time consuming, it's simple enough that even a beginner can complete it successfully.
Read more: How to Paint Mag Wheels | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6931469_paint-mag-wheels.html#ixzz1ESm3GJf2
Feb 19, 2011 (7:48 pm)
in the case of Ford producing painted alloys, I would look realistically at that with the realization that a factory production painted alloy is not going to be too over-done. And, Ford must make money selling them. So there you go. Having said that, the latest painted alloys coming from Ford look really good to me and by no means would they need to be improved upon. There's always a "grassroots" group of guys that always have to change the vehicle they own in some way, however miniscule that might be, they just have to change it somehow.
Kind of like putting their brand on it. To me it is entirely unnecessary and costly to boot.
#599 of 636 Re: puffin1... [iluvmysephia1]
by plekto
Feb 19, 2011 (11:51 pm)
Painting wheels is the cheap way out, since it looks like junk and lasts like it as well. The proper and much more expensive way to do it is to anodize or acid-treat the aluminum alloy.
Feb 20, 2011 (6:02 am)
Painting wheels is the cheap way out, since it looks like junk and lasts like it as well. The proper and much more expensive way to do it is to anodize or acid-treat the aluminum alloy.
Are you saying that Ford's "painted alloys" on their Fiesta's and Focii would starting looking backyard garage sale-ish in overly salty climes after say 4 years or so? Or words to that effect?
Feb 20, 2011 (6:13 am)
more than likely painted alloys fresh from Fo-Mo-Co are shown on this 2012 Ford Focus sedan straight-from-the-factory? I'd say they probably are. If they wear sooner than usual that might be a concern but the inland Pacific Northwest (the Idaho Panhandle where I live) is not particularly rough on car paint. Wet and snowy and icy, though people throw generous amounts of rock salt down because of long winters here.
I would think a person if concerned could stave off early "painted alloy wear down" concerns by applying a wax of some sort to their Fo-Mo-Co (or Chrysler and Chevy, insert brand name here) alloys or painted alloys, whatever iteration alloy they receive.
#602 of 636 Re: plekto... [iluvmysephia1]
by plekto
Feb 20, 2011 (1:35 pm)
Still, paint on top of aluminum is going to fade and eventually flake off.
You have to re-paint every few years and that's a time consuming process.
#603 of 636 Re: plekto... [plekto]
by akirby
Feb 20, 2011 (5:20 pm)
Aluminum body panels are painted and they don't have to be repainted every few years. If they are painted then they're also clear coated.
Feb 20, 2011 (8:23 pm)
the painted alloys from Ford are not done up to the extent that the paint will flake off. Their process is "cheaper" if you will, but sufficient for the average car buyer.
Translation: the 2013 Ford Focus wheels I get if I buy a '13 Focus will do me fine. But I might buy some wheel protectant and keep them sponged and whisked clean every 6 months or so, just to be sure. My '08 Lancer GTS wheels are still looking pretty good...but I baby them, too.
#605 of 636 Re: Fiesta's are here [audreyality]
by dubc73
May 24, 2011 (9:54 am)
Who in their right mind would pay 18K for a fiesta? There are so many other cars that you can get for that price or cheaper. Ford is trying to sell all the bells and whistles the car has. The car itself is not worth the money. Especially with Fords reputation on lower end cars. Sorry, I don't believe all the hype.
#606 of 636 Re: Fiesta's are here [dubc73]
by iamz
May 24, 2011 (10:12 am)
My Fiesta is great. It's quieter than most cars that cost $30k or even $40k. Outhandles any other small car in its class (almost handles as well as a Mini). Has more luxury features than any other car in its class and I'm averaging 41 mpg on every tank.
I guess if your definition of "reality" is "hype", then yeah, sure, it's all hype. (rolls eyes)