So I've searched and read all of the posts on the subject and have only found little hints regarding the life expectancy of the painted finish on stock wheels.

I like the look of stock wheels ('97/98)...I'm a conservative and therefore am not big on the custom look for my own ride, although I can appreciate the look of many of the Max's out there. My concern is that I've not seen wheels with painted finishes that didn't need repainting within a few years due to clear coat chipping and color coat discoloration. Ideally, the stock wheels would be more of a brushed aluminum like the '96 SE [blade] wheels...Repainting would be a matter of cleaning and re-clearcoating.

So...I was hoping that you folks might offer up some of your own experiences with alloys/paint/clearcoat vs. alloys/clearcoat (without color coat).

Thanks.

 

Re-clearcoating is all you would need on aftermarket painted rims.
Most rims come with 2 coats of clearcoat, so you should be good for a few years. Try and NOT use any kind chemical wheel cleaners. I just use good old soap & water & they shine like new. Definitely stay away from wheel wax... They make 'em shine but are bad for the aluminum.

 

Sorry, OT: dashing... In your sig you have ACT clutch listed as well as RedLine ATF... do you have a 5spd or auto?

 

Good catch! It is actually the MTF!
I have a 5-speed