Libre repops/ USTrans am

[Shaundeegan]

The original unpainted wheel looks great, but is a stain magnet due to its porous nature. After I had the wheels lathed to get rid of the curb rash, the outer rims were clear coated like a modern wheel; I then painted the spokes myself. They look nice and are easy to keep that way.

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I really like that look. Is that gun metal gray? You stated my worry that the maintenance of cleaning the porous material would be a pain. Did you clear coat after painting?

[bakerjf]

The original unpainted wheel looks great, but is a stain magnet due to its porous nature. After I had the wheels lathed to get rid of the curb rash, the outer rims were clear coated like a modern wheel; I then painted the spokes myself. They look nice and are easy to keep that way.

09A0FB00-186D-468D-9E1F-F9FF015B8543.jpeg

I really like that look. Is that gun metal gray? You stated my worry that the maintenance of cleaning the porous material would be a pain. Did you clear coat after painting?

I used the antique nickel for the spokes, and flat iron to paint the rear brake drums. As an aside, that color is really just a darker shade of the nickel that does a much better job of “hiding” the drum (which otherwise distracts from the wheel) than black or the natural finish of the drum itself. I did clear the spokes with a flat enamel to finish it off.

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D2CDE2BA-8C02-4545-B73D-0CC0F2F9ADCC.jpeg

[fj20spl311]

J. Baker,
those wheels look good.

[Gregs672000]

Really a classic, period correct look... very nice.

[Shaundeegan]

The original unpainted wheel looks great, but is a stain magnet due to its porous nature. After I had the wheels lathed to get rid of the curb rash, the outer rims were clear coated like a modern wheel; I then painted the spokes myself. They look nice and are easy to keep that way.

09A0FB00-186D-468D-9E1F-F9FF015B8543.jpeg

I really like that look. Is that gun metal gray? You stated my worry that the maintenance of cleaning the porous material would be a pain. Did you clear coat after painting?

I used the antique nickel for the spokes, and flat iron to paint the rear brake drums. As an aside, that color is really just a darker shade of the nickel that does a much better job of “hiding” the drum (which otherwise distracts from the wheel) than black or the natural finish of the drum itself. I did clear the spokes with a flat enamel to finish it off.

DF1E49D2-685E-435A-9CFC-2F7C04D7FB72.jpeg
D2CDE2BA-8C02-4545-B73D-0CC0F2F9ADCC.jpeg

Wow, that's what I'm talking about. Love that look.

[Pjackb]

Personally I`m not a big fan of Libre BUT these ones with dark gray centers and polished lips are simply perfect and that`s how I would refinish them if I had some

[theunz]

I love the Libre's, if I ever have to replace my Empi's it would be with Libre's. The ones that Mr. Baker restored are just gorgeous.

[auggiemize]

J.Baker, Are those the real AR's?...I really need four of those AR centers! Those wheels look great, whatever they are. Thanks, Dave V.

[bakerjf]

Yes, they’re real! I have three different sets of center caps. The red “Datsun” ones are hard to find, but the black “American Racing” are even harder (there are silver ones that are easy to get). I had to piece those together over several months using EBay alerts...