Fikse Wheel Finish Questions

[ScottZ95ZR1]

I have a set of FM5 wheels in the Fikse TechniPolish finish that were recently damaged due to the use of a wheel cleaner that must have been too acidic. The clear coat applied to the centers is toast and, according to Fikse, the centers cannot be refinished to "as new" condition due to the machined face of the TechniPolish finish.

The owner of the shop accepted responsibility and has fully compensated me for the loss. This is a very well established, reputable shop and they are quite dumbfounded as to how the wheel cleaner they used caused this. They assure me they've used it for years and have never had an issue.

So, I'm wondering if anyone here has heard of similar issues with Fikse wheels, specifically the TechniPolish finish? I really like the FM5 but want to learn more about finish options and associated durability before I make a purchase. Perhaps their Race Satin finish is the better choice.

If you have Fikse wheels, please share what finish you have and your opinion regarding durability. I'd appreciate it.

I'm also considering CCW. I've not seen their wheels in person but have read good things and am impressed by their website. They are certainly more affordable and make some great looking wheels.

Thanks for any feedback.

[Jagdpanzer]

Scott,
I just refinished the set Fikse Profil 10s I'm now running on my Z. Originally they where finished by Fikse in race satin which is a hard clear anodize. Same thing happened to the original owner, shop he used hit them with a harsh wheel cleaner and ruined the anodized finish on the centers. Over Christmas holidays I stripped the anodize off using some heavy duty alkaline drain cleaner. Then polished them out, first with 600 & 1200 WD with water. Then six steps of Micro-Mesh also with water and finished off with Mothers Mag Wheel Polish. Now they are shinny enough to rate being on Ricky's car.





Before starting the project I called Fikse to get their advise and they recommend just to paint them using a good 2 part polyurethane. They said not to powder coat because the centers are machined from 6061 heated treated aluminum alloy and the 400 degrees in the PC oven would remove some of the temper thus adversely effecting the material strength. At the time I also asked them about their TechniPolish finish and they said it is achieved by using a special diamond cutting tool and fluid during the final finish machining stage. Then without touching the surface the centers are immediately clear coated to preserve and protect the shimmering appearance.

[ScottZ95ZR1]

Thanks very much Phil. Your wheels look awesome! I was unfamiliar with Micro-Mesh, so especially appreciate your sharing how you polished yours in such detail.

Fikse explained to me that the diamond-cut machining process involved in the TechniPolish finish is what precluded refinishing to an "as-new" condition. I understood I'd be unable to completely remove the clear without taking that finely machined surface down to smooth. Good to know what you were told regarding not powdercoating as that wasn't mentioned to me.

Searching the web I've found several similar cases where the clear was damaged, and in a couple cases the cause was a mystery - an acidic wheel cleaner wasn't used. I thought the Race Satin finish might offer more durability but it sounds like that's not necessarily the case.

I guess these cases are the exception or they wouldn't have been in business for so long. I love their wheels and especially liked the TechniPolish, but for the money I wish the finish was more bullet-proof.

I would really like to hear from some CCW owners regarding their quality and durability.

I am probably just being overly paranoid here. Any of their finishes are probably durable if treated with proper care. It just blows my mind that they can be so easily trashed.

[Polo-1]

The FM 5 's were over 10 years old and still looked great. I only used "car" soap and water.

[ScottZ95ZR1]

Originally Posted by Polo-1

The FM 5 's were over 10 years old and still looked great. I only used "car" soap and water.

Were yours in the TechniPolish, Race Satin, or Polished finish Kevin ?

[Polo-1]

Tech