Reconditioning Magnesium Alloy Wheels

Want to get my magnesium alloys (1980 308GTS) reconditioned before I put new XWX rubber on, been having problems finding someone who can do them (properly) in the UK. As you probably all already know, mag alloys just can't be painted (like most wheel reconditioners will, including the roving types) they need special treatment otherwise the magnesium powders and lifts the paint away.

Most places I've contacted either have no clue, would just paint them like aluminium alloys, or won't touch them. Certainly I cannot find anyone who can powder coat them.

Have found one place, but I could do with the FC masses opinion on the way they say they are going to refurbish them. They are quoting GBP 120-150 + vat (17.5%) per wheel, and this is what they will do :

Striped in acid bath
White etched
Given a thick powder coating primer
Final colour coat of paint

They say they can colour match exactly but "it might look a bit bright and fresh initially".

Anyone have any thoughts ? Is acid okay with magnesium alloys ? What's white etching ?

Thanks !
Nev

 

Thanks sonic, I'll give them a ring (that's about 2 miles from where I work !)

Anyone else any thoughts re. the process above ? (good, bad)