Restore Porsche Cookie Cutter Wheels
The "Cookie Cutter" wheel was made by ATS for the Porsche 911 starting in 1973. It earns its name from the distinctive shape of the wheel center, which looks similar to a cutter that would be used to make cookies. In the following years the wheel was used on Porsche 911s and 944s. Though the Cookie Cutter wheels are not as desirable as the more traditional Porsche Fuchs wheels, they are great looking wheels when they look their best, and restoring them is not that difficult.
Instructions
1. Remove the wheels from the vehicle if they are still mounted. Have the tires removed by a tire shop. This step is optional, but it will be easier to restore the wheel if they are removed.
2. Clean the wheels with a high-pressure hose to remove any loose debris and dirt. Clean the backsides as well.
3. Strip the paint on the center of the wheels and the clear coat on the rim of the wheel, with Jasco paint stripper or a similar product. Let the stripper soak in for ten or fifteen minutes or longer.
4. Wipe the paint off with a rag when it starts to bubble. You can also use steel wool to scrub the paint off. Repeat this process until all paint and clearcoat is gone.
5. Rinse the wheels with the high-pressure washer or a hose. Clean the wheels with mild soap and water or something like Simple Green.
6. Wipe the wheels down with mineral spirits. Make sure that any surfaces that will be painted are completely free of oils and grease. This is a crucial step. The paint will only adhere as well as the surface is cleaned.
7. Tape off the center of the wheel. Spray on two or three clearcoats with a spray can. Allow the clearcoat to dry for several hours if not overnight.
8. Remove the tape from the center of the wheel. Mask off the rim. Spray on a light dusting of spray paint and allow it to dry for a minute or so. Spray on three to three solid coats of paint in the color of your choosing. Cookie Cutters were painted a variety of colors from the factory and some merely had a clearcoat applied to the center.
