derolph
10-24-2013, 09:42 AM
I had been thinking for a few months about buying a set of alloy wheels for my 88 LX-i coupe but now I think I'm just going to cleanup and paint the OEM steel wheels and put them back on without the wheel covers. The OEM plastic wheel covers need painting, 3 of them have at least one crack somewhere and one of those three has a piece broke off the edge. Besides, they bore me, which is why I had been thinking of buying a whole new set of wheels. But, as practical matter, I think I should attend to some mechanical issues such as oil leaks and some brake work before spending money on major cosmetic aspects such as wheels and a full paint job.
I cleaned one wheel so far and painted it. Prepping the wheel took more time than typical due to rust. I used a dremel to grind off some rust. I had some Rustoleum high-temp paint so I used it. It painted well but the finish is a flat sheen, which is not quite what I had in mind. I was thinking I of a less-flat sheen, maybe not a high-gloss finish but at least something with less flatness than this. I suppose I could try putting some clearcoat over the Rustoleum; I guess that will change the sheen but I'm not sure whether clearcoat will work well with the Rustoleum.
Any suggestions on how to proceed and get a finish some shine to it? What sheen do some of you prefer on steelies? What paint would you use for wheels?
I was also thinking of painting the old chrome lug nuts black. Or, I could use some chrome polish and try restoring their chrome finish.
I cleaned one wheel so far and painted it. Prepping the wheel took more time than typical due to rust. I used a dremel to grind off some rust. I had some Rustoleum high-temp paint so I used it. It painted well but the finish is a flat sheen, which is not quite what I had in mind. I was thinking I of a less-flat sheen, maybe not a high-gloss finish but at least something with less flatness than this. I suppose I could try putting some clearcoat over the Rustoleum; I guess that will change the sheen but I'm not sure whether clearcoat will work well with the Rustoleum.
Any suggestions on how to proceed and get a finish some shine to it? What sheen do some of you prefer on steelies? What paint would you use for wheels?
I was also thinking of painting the old chrome lug nuts black. Or, I could use some chrome polish and try restoring their chrome finish.