Powder coat/paint wheels idea...*PICS*

[VTSTOMPER]

So here is my idea.

I have a set of stock silver wheels, and I am thinking of painting them black everywhere they are painted silver now. So the polished lips and cuts would stay polished. I think it will look pretty slick, and I really will not hate taking them off road.

I have not decided on an aftermarket rim, so I figured I would roll with these. Has anyone done this type job before? I know many of you have the powder coat on the entire rim, but have I have not seen the idea I am talking about.

Also would paint be ok? Or do I need to use powder coat? I know powder coat would hold up better..but paint is SO easy! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Thanks!

[VTSTOMPER]

So here is my idea.

I have a set of stock silver wheels, and I am thinking of painting them black everywhere they are painted silver now. So the polished lips and cuts would stay polished. I think it will look pretty slick, and I really will not hate taking them off road.

I have not decided on an aftermarket rim, so I figured I would roll with these. Has anyone done this type job before? I know many of you have the powder coat on the entire rim, but have I have not seen the idea I am talking about.

Also would paint be ok? Or do I need to use powder coat? I know powder coat would hold up better..but paint is SO easy! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Thanks!

[VTSTOMPER]

Here is a really quick photochop I did...

[W1N]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by VTSTOMPER:
Here is a really quick photochop I did... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Looks pretty nice, go for it!!!

[VTSTOMPER]

Thanks W1N, I think I will probably go without the center cap though...

[rodster]

It's tough to find a look that's unique, eh? I like your direction.

Ever look at Tim's SUT wheels? PCed black but he also plastic-coated the caps and kept them on. Looks pretty sharp but then again, so do black wheels without caps.

Not sure how paint will hold up in the snow and salt and whatever else you snowbound types endure each year. Better make a slap-on mask -- if it's a DIY project you'll probably DIMany times.

[VTSTOMPER]

LOL!

Yeah rodster I hear you. I worked in a body shop for some time when I was in high school, so I have many of the tools I will need.

Masking it off is KEY! If you do not do that right, you might as well just not do it at all.

I just want it to look mean when it is out in the dirt, and in the winter.

I will have to check out Tims! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[rodster]

Saw this on hummer.com. H1 Alpha. Kind of a mellow mix of black n bling. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[VTSTOMPER]

LOL!

you have me down to a "T"! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[VTSTOMPER]

Finding a powder coat place around here is a PITA!

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

VT I know it is hard to find powder coat but, I would highly recommend You go the extra mile and coat the rims, cap and use it also. The cap does help the threads from getting nicked and rusting.
Once said by Sgt. Friday I think 4 million people in this city and everyone of them have an opinion.
TAZ

[VTSTOMPER]

HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ

Thanks for the info...you have a good point on the threads...I do not want to be drilling/cutting wheel studs off because of it!!!

[h2sin]

been done

Link (http://www.ihog.org/modules.php?set_albumName=album16&id=DSCF0013&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php)

[VTSTOMPER]

Hey H2sin, thanks for the images. I checked them out, and it looks pretty good. I am not sold on the look yet though.

[VTSTOMPER]

Reminds me of this now that I have seen those pics... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[h2sin]

How about this one

http://www.geocities.com/ko_neko69/H2-Simulock-Factory-Wheels.jpg.jpg

[rodster]

Something about that wheel screams Village People.

[DRTYFN]

Just do it!

[VTSTOMPER]

That does look good drty! The tires make it too! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

VT there is another suggestion I made on a more recent thread about painting or powdercoating. If you would like to go to it and read i think You would like it and do it Yourself easily.
TAZ

[VTSTOMPER]

Taz, what thread was that you are talking about?

I might paint them gun metal...I have some paint, and it is worth a shot right? Winter wheels anywho...but I would like to see your thread first. I will search for it now...

[VTSTOMPER]

found it!

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/8...681074631#3681074631 (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/8816016063/r/3681074631#3681074631)

what is the name of the product I would need? I have done motorcycle rims before, and I took all the paint off with aircraft stripper before I painted them. I was thinking of painted them gun metal and then clearing both sides...but the jury is still out.

[VTSTOMPER]

I have started the madness!

Each rim will be painted gunmetal, followed by clear, clear, clear heavy! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I am doing it myself, so we will see how if goes. I will be taking each of my silver wheels, sanding them lightly, and dumping gunmetal silver/gray/flake on the babies!

I will post some "as I go" pics later.

[VTSTOMPER]

here is a shot with flash, and then one without.

[VTSTOMPER]

.

[4churchill]

looks good....have you finished yet? if so how did it work out? I like that look

[VTSTOMPER]

I just need to clear the last wheel today.

It is funny..they ended up getting darker and more glossy. It looks almost like black chrome...but really is gun metal! I really dig it. I will post some pics once I finish up! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[H2_SUT_SC]

That does look good. Look forward to seeing the end result.

[TXSUT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by VTSTOMPER:
I will post some pics once I finish up! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Looking cool so far, J. Now quit fiddle-farting and get that sh!t done!

[VTSTOMPER]

LOL!

Just cleared the last one at lunch. I will not be mounting these until late October. I will have more pics once the last one is dry.

[VTSTOMPER]

ok here are some more pics.

The one without the tape in the center has been done and dried the longest - that is why it appears slightly darker. All the others will darken as well. Enjoy the pics! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[VTSTOMPER]

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[VTSTOMPER]

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[VTSTOMPER]

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[VTSTOMPER]

Since I posted the first pic, the sun has baked them all to the same darker color! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif


Also the centers are painted the same color. They need some clear - so I am waiting on Napa to open. As I am out of clear - again.

[rodster]

Wow! Looks great! Bet they'll match your truck perfectly.

[VTSTOMPER]

Thanks rodster...not bad for a few rattle cans...


Here are the steps I did:

1) clean wheel

2) rough up stock paint/clear with 3M scotchbrite pad so that is looks flat.

3) Clean wheel

4) Make sure wheel is dry and free from any oils, even from your hands.

5) Paint with base coat...thin layer...let sit for a few minutes.

6) Second coat more heavy...but not too much to avoid a run.

7) Third coat Heavy coat again...make sure things are even...and let paint dry.

8) Spray clear coat on light...wait a few minutes and follow again by heave coats or until your happy. Again not too heavy to avoid runs.

9) let dry for at least 1 week

10) Wetsand if needed. I don't think I will need to...but I will be able to tell once I run my hands all over it. When you wetsand use a very very fine grit with lots of water. You can follow with a super fine "swirl mark remover" compound if needed.

Mount them, and let the tire dorks scratch the **** out of your new painted rims!

Drive and pit your new rims! (just getting that out of the way! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[frank6150]

Looks very nice! I think the first problem you will run into will be with them mounting the tires. Just tell em to be extra careful.

I painted my skidplate once and it held up fairly well with rocks and whatnot smacking off it from driving. Didn't last much longer once I introduced it to a few big rocks though.

[VTSTOMPER]

I agree Frank...It will be an interesting test. That is one reason I went nuts with the clear! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[KenP]

Hey, it was cheap. Who cares if it lasts very long? I can't wait to see them mounted on the truck.

I think I'm going to PC my stock ones Puke Green.

[Albie]

what brand paint and clear coat did you use????

[VTSTOMPER]

Well I was going to use PPG or DuPont...but then I was like...dude, it is a set of wheels for off road and winter.

SO, I used this! (http://www.duplicolor.com/products/wheel.html)LOL! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Hell, I figured it was a cheap and easy way to get what I wanted. Now we will just see how it lasts!

[dochummer]

Hehehe...don't worry, I've considered using the same stuff for the same look....just haven't had the guts to do it yet... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[VTSTOMPER]

LOL!

Hey - they were only stock rims anyway! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I will let you know if it is worth it Doc! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[TXSUT]

Looks awesome, job well-done!

[H2_SUT_SC]

They look good. I definitely want to see them mounted on the truck.

[VTSTOMPER]

ok ok...yous guys!

You know how to put the heat on! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I will see if I can get them on next week, I am going to let the paint cure this week.

[VTSTOMPER]

Well, I hope to have some pics for you all tonight. If not tonight than tomorrow. They are getting mounted right now.

[VTSTOMPER]

looks like tomorrow...batts are dead in the camera and it is too dark. So tomorrow morning i will upload some!

[VTSTOMPER]

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[VTSTOMPER]

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[VTSTOMPER]

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[Mr. I - Man]

Thats hella tight

[H2_SUT_SC]

That looks great bro, but I think I'd go with the black chrome kit now to get rid of the chrome.

[TXSUT]

Looks great, J!

[VTSTOMPER]

Thanks guys! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I will keep you all posted on how the rattle can paint/clear holds up! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[06SUT23]

Looks good

[VTSTOMPER]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:Oh and loose the sissy steps http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

ROFL! I know, trust me. The wife won't hear of it with the baby due soon! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif When off road comes - they are gonzo!

[VTSTOMPER]

I think I will take them off before the snow! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

as much as I like the use of them...it makes the truck look lowered.

[VTSTOMPER]

Some updates:

As you know I used the elcheapo paint to do my wheels. I hand washed them and found one small chip on the outside lip of the wheel. Other than that they look mint, and just as good as the day I painted them.

Right now they are COVERED with road salt, and I will let you know how the fair though a VT winter! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[HummBob]

Very Slick Job! Congrats http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif