I've mentioned this before but I don't remember reading the explanation. Here's the background. I have a low milage all original '87 all the way down to the tires and wheel weights (minus the shields and front cavallino). BUT, my wheels are like no other i have ever seen on a Testarossa. Rather than the regular "Ferrari" lettering being cast and proud of the rim surface, my lettering is inked in black. I'm pretty sure they are original but here's my dilemma. Some of the wheels are losing their paint and so I'm thinking of refurbishing them. Problem is, i doubt I could maintain the original lettering. 1. So does anyone know if Ferrari released wheels on Testarossa's without the cast lettering? 2. Should I go ahead and paint them anyway or 3. Just leave them the way they are to preserve originality? Thanks Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I would keep them original but if in the future you really had no choice but to paint them have a digital image taken to have a stencil made from your rims then you can duplicate the lettering after you paint the rims. I have stencils for the boxer metric rims copied from an original for a complete restoration im performing.
So you've seen this before on TR's Newman? I've just spent the last hour looking at every Testarossa i can find online and nothing. I know there were two manufacturers, OZ being the majority with raised lettering and possibly Cromodora making up the balance, but I don't think Cromodora had the inked script. This is really baffling. EDIT: Think I just found something. Here's an '87 without the raised cast lettering. http://classiccars.com/listings/view/694584/1987-ferrari-testarossa-for-sale-in-saint-louis-missouri-63146
Sam, to add to the confusion, I have a 1990 TR and my wheels are the same as the one you found: no raised lettering, no black Ferrari marks, nothing. Just like the 87 you found, but 5 bolts. I also always wondered.
Sam, Just came across your post. I have exactly the same wheels as yours on my late 1986 single mirror Swedish spec TR... and exactly the same problem and dilemma. Mine has covered less than 5000 miles so I am pretty certain the finish is original. The paint has peeled quite a lot so I really do need to refurbish the wheels, but I am hoping to do as Newman suggests and replicate the lettering by means of stencils. Easier said than done no doubt. David Image Unavailable, Please Login
Sweet, glad I'm not the only one. Here's an idea. How about making a Rubber Stamp and using black paint? One for the front and one for the back. Seem cheap enough. To make the actual lettering, I can import a high res. image, sketch it up on CAD, print it and overlay it for accuracy. Affordable Pocket Stamps, Custom Pocket Stamps | Vistaprint
16 inch TR center lock wheels were made by 3 different contractors. In the beginning Ferrari allowed us to order by brand to match the remaining wheels.
You will not have the result you want with a rubber stamp and paint. I do it all the time on old Mustangs for the paint OK stamps and engine blocks. I did one two days ago again I really doubt you can achieve the result of a crisp and clean lettering like what is on the wheels.
You'll need a rub on transfer (Chromatec). After the graphic is recreated digitally it is printed on a sheet. Very high detail, infinite color choices. I am running behind but if you're not in a rush, I could help recreate the graphic. I just need measurements and high quality, straight on pictures. This file will be good at any rub on shop.
I'll start taking some pics. I have a neighbor that dabbles in photography so I'm sure he can set me up with a nice head on clear shot.
Wheels took a while to remove. One of the rears was over 800Nm. Anyway, thanks to James (Veedub00), we were able to remove them and I had some nice head on high res shots taken (too large to post the originals). I'll be contacting a "rub on transfer" supplier and have them made. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've modeled the Decals in CAD and corrected for any bleeding, unintended offsets and letter consistency. Looks like the "Ferrari" and the "10J x 16" are from separate transfers which makes sense. I have maintained the slight irregularity here for....well, for whatever reason. If you guys think it's good enough to go, then I'll publish a high res image for anyone to download and replicate. Also need to complete the "8Jx 16" for the front wheels. If anyone has any decals they need remodeled, please shoot me PM and we'll discuss. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Here they are. For some reason, I could not get the resolution any better but I think it's more than enough to recreate the decals. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
UPDATE: Transfers complete and they are perfect. Applied one onto an envelope and tried to rub it off to test its durability. Definitely needs a clear coat over it. Speaking of wheel painting, I had mine done but very dissatisfied with the color match so I hunted down the original paint code and bought enough to respray all four. The darker shaded wheel is the spare with original paint. The lighter is the BS color match The PPG specialist also mentioned that the original was clear coated. Anyway, they should be done in a few days so I'll post the final product once complete. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
First I must say, the color match is spot on. Just waiting on a clear coat and I'll be set. For those who will be attempting this, please learn from my stupid mistakes. Pic 1. Don't apply the decal on directly. It will inevitably break up and misalign Pic 2. Instead, place a piece of tape over it, cut notch's to clear the rim, align it to the wheel and press it on firmly. Then use a rounded plastic object (I used the end of a Sharpi pen) to rub the decal on starting from the center and proceeding outwards. Pic 3 and 4. That's better Pic 5. As per instructions from the decal supplier, rub the decal gently with Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing Alcohol) so that they adhere well to the clear coat. Rubber Cement thinner or Lighter fluid is also OK. Obviously, don't rub too hard. The idea is to remove any adhesive from the printing process. Pic 6. Wheel before clear coat. BTW, I have a few decals left if anyone needs them. First come first serve. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Those look great and Argento Metallizzato/Argento Nurburgring Metallizzato (same color), PPG 36520, is the correct color for Ferrari wheels of this and later vintage. You nailed both the paint and the decals. Clear coat over the decals and wheels sealed the deal.
Thanks guys, I'll publish the final product once I have the new tires and refurbished calipers back on. David (Ramboy), your decals are in the mail.
Many thanks Sam! Your wheels look great, I will be very satisfied if I achieve the same results. David
I would love to get set of the transfers. I am in the beginning phase of starting the refinishing process. Let me know if possible. I appreciate it . Thanks Mark
