Hubcap misery.....

[bentjazz]

Yet again, another of my 2010 Yaris hubcaps bit the dust. To get a new one isn't cheap, and the hubcaps that came with the car 8 years ago suck, anyway. Any suggestions? I'm thinking about going without hubcaps, but have never done this before and don't want my car to look too.....undesirable.
Thanks.

[tmontague]

Zip ties, saves them from coming off, cabbies use them all the time

[Leegamer]

Looks way better with the hubcaps off. Ditch them.

[myfirstyota]

I call that 'Canadian style' as many people run winter tires on steel rims here lol

[ern-diz]

Trim rings to the rescue!

[bentjazz]

Called Toyota, and they said for ONE hubcap it'd be around $100. Not going to happen. Took all my hubcaps off. Actually, doesn't look bad. Will try to sell the three remaining functional hubcaps. Thanks for the input, guys.

[bentjazz]

Next thing I'd like to do is paint my rims. There's some rust. Any suggestions on how to do this? Would I have to take each tire off? Any advice on what black paint is best? Thanks.

[Leegamer]

Take off the wheels, mask the tires and spray them.

[kimona]

You can pick up some playing cards from the dollar store and use them to prevent overspray.

Get some trim rings. They look so much better than plastic hubcaps. Running without rings or caps makes your car look like a scrapper IMHO.

[Leegamer]

Never thought about using playing cards, that's a great idea!

[WeeYari]

Never thought about using playing cards, that's a great idea!Yep, works like a charm.

Sent from my EML-L09 using Tapatalk

[bentjazz]

Will try that for sure! Thanks.

[Revsson]

Called Toyota, and they said for ONE hubcap it'd be around $100. Not going to happen. Took all my hubcaps off. Actually, doesn't look bad. Will try to sell the three remaining functional hubcaps. Thanks for the input, guys.

I hear your pain, as I got the same quote. I asked if that was for 4 or just
one...one! I called around to a few salvage yards...nope. Tried calling some
place that specialized in wheelcovers. Nope. Ended up finding one on
eBay for about $30.00. Funny, that this was the first time I have lost a
wheelcover. Car is officially 10 years old, and just turned over 100,000 miles.
If this happens again, I will consider the wheel ring thing.

[Type-Y]

Just go steelie. Looks better than the hubcaps anyway.

[maximumunicorn]

Heck, I'll sell you all four of the hubcaps from my 2008 Yaris for $50 plus shipping. I've haven't had them on since I bought the car...

[bentjazz]

Glad you found one that didn't cost you an arm and a leg, Revsson.

[06YarisRS]

The black steelies and trim rings do look awesome. I did that on my Dodge Grand Caravan and used Ford center caps. I liked it.

Another option is what I did for my '08. Amazon purchased 6-spoke caps and Toyota center caps. I've had cheap covers before and the paint chipped off really fast. These ones have taken a lot of abuse on gravely roads and there's not a mark on them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014I43U3W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://i.imgur.com/9W6vH5p.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1XP80ID.jpg

Dodge GC

https://i.imgur.com/m2Zv7CK.jpg

[bentjazz]

06YarisRS, this just might be the best option at this point. I'm really kind of liking the black steelie look on my black Yaris, but I'll have to angle grind all of them and then paint them. If I decide not to go that route (mainly because I'm lazy), I think those Amazon hubcaps are my answer. Thank you.

[06YarisRS]

06YarisRS, this just might be the best option at this point. I'm really kind of liking the black steelie look on my black Yaris, but I'll have to angle grind all of them and then paint them. If I decide not to go that route (mainly because I'm lazy), I think those Amazon hubcaps are my answer. Thank you.

No problem. I'm assuming you have 15" wheels? I looked for the same Toyota style caps in 14" and couldn't find them. My winter wheels are 14".

[2008RedHatch]

I've gotten used wheel covers for 20$ for one, or for all four, from salvage yards, or online.

Whichever bone yard buys my wrecked 2008 will have some in the seats for picking. It had 15" steels.

[bentjazz]

Update. Found some OEM hubcaps on Ebay for a very decent price. I really liked the steelie look on my black Yaris.....at night. In the daylight, however, the steelie rust comes through quite nicely and makes the car look rough. Keeping the steelie look would require a bit too much work on my part. If I had more time, maybe. But I don't have time to angle grind and paint the steelies, unfortunately, so it's back to the hubcaps. Thanks for all of the great input, guys.

[bentjazz]

Update, part deux. Ebay hubcap purchase didn't work out, afterall. Will be going with 06YarisRS's Amazon recommendation or I might still do the steelie thing if I can free up enough time to angle grind and paint them.

[06YarisRS]

Update, part deux. Ebay hubcap purchase didn't work out, afterall. Will be going with 06YarisRS's Amazon recommendation or I might still do the steelie thing if I can free up enough time to angle grind and paint them.

Good luck with the project. If you plan to paint the steel wheels, are you planning to use a disc or a stiff wire wheel? I've restored several sets of steel wheels. It's much easier to do this obviously with the tires off and will make for a more long-lasting job


The process I use is basically:

1) thoroughly wash wheels (2 - 3 times with a LOT of dish soap. Rinse and repeat until a paper towel or cloth pics up no contamination. Thoroughly dry. Heat gun works great.

2) wire wheel and coarse sand paper for all rust spots, then an overall wheel sanding with something like 240 grit.

3) 2 - 3 applications of rust converter on all rust spots, about 15 minutes between each application.

4) repeat step 1

5) prime converted rust spots with a decent high build primer. Closely follow drying/curing times.

6) resand the entire wheel with 240 or finer grit.

6) Apply a light dust coat of paint. Then, apply 2 - 3 medium wet coats following drying times.

Using this process yields the best finish and longest lasting results. I always give my steel wheels an occasional blast of light rust proofing, but I drive through salt, slush and sand all winter long.

[dogsridewith]

Magnum Sharpie for black steelies

[bentjazz]

I plan on using a stiff wire wheel attached to my angle grinder, 06YarisRS. Just curious, how long does it normally take you to do all four steelies? And how long does this kind of paint job last before rust reappears? Thanks so much.

[SirDigby]

hubcaps look soooo cheap. idk why people even keep them...
3/4 inch beauty rings in stainless steel are $50.

[DarkShadowFox]

100$ for hub caps, time to start stealing them and selling them LMAO.

[Maritime]

Ha, I went to CT to buy 4 14" hubcaps on sale for $35 for my new to me steel wheels and winter tires until I could do the paint with cards trick. Went home, put them on. Ended up back at CT later the same day for another purchase, was in the store for 15 mins came out and 3-4 of my caps were gone. waste of $35 bucks plus tax. I'll do the paint and I like those chrome rings. kimona Where did get those? Ebay/Amazon?

[06YarisRS]

I plan on using a stiff wire wheel attached to my angle grinder, 06YarisRS. Just curious, how long does it normally take you to do all four steelies? And how long does this kind of paint job last before rust reappears? Thanks so much.

Sorry, I missed this. Normally an afternoon but I go about other stuff during drying/curing times. I have a set of steeliess for my van that were done about 3 winters ago and they are holding up great. But, like I said, I keep them rustproofed. The paint on steelies from the factory is really cheap, with the more expensive OEM wheels being only slightly better.

Regarding trim rings, they look great but really only when clean. Trims rings in the winter is a bit of a waste IMO. I would avoid chrome-plated steel in favour of stainless steel, or even chrome-plated ABS. Plated steel will inevitably show rust when used in winter/salt conditions. Whichever trim rings you go with, lay a couple good coats of wax on them. I used acrylic paint sealant.

[bentjazz]

Thank you, 06YarisRS. I've bought the paint and primer, and am now just waiting for the temperature to get above 50. I think I'm going to skip the rings. My Yaris is black with tinted windows, so I think a fresh paint job on my steelies will make a world of difference compared to what they look like now. If I like the final look of freshly painted black steelies with the color of my car, I'll go with it permanently. If not, I'll buy the hubcaps you linked. Just curious, how do you rustproof your steelies?

[birdnation]

I also recently installed these, and they fit perfectly on my 2017. to be determined if they fall off or not, but they seem to fit pretty snugly.

https://www.amazon.com/Alpena-58259-Carbon-Wheel-Cover/dp/B00TO7MXG4/

[06YarisRS]

Thank you, 06YarisRS. I've bought the paint and primer, and am now just waiting for the temperature to get above 50. I think I'm going to skip the rings. My Yaris is black with tinted windows, so I think a fresh paint job on my steelies will make a world of difference compared to what they look like now. If I like the final look of freshly painted black steelies with the color of my car, I'll go with it permanently. If not, I'll buy the hubcaps you linked. Just curious, how do you rustproof your steelies?

Great! I was going to mention buying a satin black as opposed to gloss. Satin tends to hide imperfections where gloss will highlight even the smallest scratches/chips etc. Plus, satin has a more OEM look and the less shiny a paint is the better the bonding between coats. As far as rustproofing, I just intermittently spray the faces of them. When I rotate my wheels, I'll brush off the dirt on the inside of the wheel barrel (tends to collect a lot of dirt) and spray those too. In the summer (I have summers off) and looking for something to do, I'll degrease the wheels, spray them off and reapply rustproofing. It's also a good time to touch up and small spots or chips.

Just a quick tip in painting: Make your first coat a very light bonding coat. Let it dry but not fully cure. Subsequent coats are heavier, but don't rush them. The paint has to gas off but not cure before the next coat is applied to promote chemical bonding. 50 seems a bit low in temp. Following can directions will definitely make for a longer-lasting job. Same holds true for your primer coats. If it is cooler out, I might use a hair dryer to heat the rim itself, not directly on fresh paint as you'll create a skin and it won't cure underneath. The key with spray can paints is lots of dry airflow/sufficient time between coats, not heat. This may sound like a little overkill, but it's what's proved to work best for me. I abhor rusty rims as they ruin the look of an otherwise good looking car.

Trim rings do look awesome. I definitely consider the use of trim rings and some sort of center cap in the spring, summer and fall. I may yet for my 2008.

[bentjazz]

Those look very nice, birdnation. Thanks.

06YarisRS, thank you for the tips. Should I wait just a couple of minutes between coats? Like yourself, rusty rims bother me. And now that it's my rims that are rusty and without hubcaps, man it's really bothering me. I'll be a lot happier once I get this done....

[bentjazz]

I finally got around to angle grinding, priming, and painting my rusty wheelies. I couldn't stand looking at them another day. I like the hubcapless look on my Yaris, and think I'll stick with it now that the wheelies look decent without any rust and a fresh coat of paint. Thanks to everyone for their input on this post, and thanks to kimona for walking me through the process of posting my pics.

[bentjazz]

A few more pics.....

[kimona]

Excellent! Now get some trim rings.

[06YarisRS]

They look great! I agree with kimona, get some trim rings. There is also a center cap that would look stunning with the trim rings, though I was never able to find them for sale. I believe they are out there. I just didn't spend a lot of time looking for them.

[Maritime]

HA, I was just about to say the black on black is nice but the trim rings may make it even classier. Good job.

[ern-diz]

Yep, much better :thumbsup:

[bentjazz]

Thank you, YWers. If I put on a set of trim rings, I'll post pics. Wish I could find those center caps you mentioned, 06YarisRS. I just hope my paint job lasts awhile.....don't want to be painting wheelies again anytime soon.

[06YarisRS]

Thank you, YWers. If I put on a set of trim rings, I'll post pics. Wish I could find those center caps you mentioned, 06YarisRS. I just hope my paint job lasts awhile.....don't want to be painting wheelies again anytime soon.

If you dig back in the wheel threads, I think there's a pic or two of the caps I mentioned. You might find a lead there.

Your paint should last a good while, but it would be good to have a little touchup paint on hand. The areas that will be most affected is where your wheel weights attach and at the very lip of the rim. If you're not wanting to spray the entire rims with rustproofing, at least give those wheel weights a spray, then wipe off the excess. It will penetrate under the weights and protect where the paint gets scratched off.

[bentjazz]

Thanks, 06YarisRS. I need all the tips I can get!

[justanotherdrunk]

yea looks great

love the 2 door model

[bentjazz]

06YarisRS, what do you mean by rustproofing the entire rims? Would that entail spraying the rims with paint when a scratch occurs, etc? That sort of thing?
Thank you!

[bentjazz]

Thanks, justanotherdrunk!

[06YarisRS]

06YarisRS, what do you mean by rustproofing the entire rims? Would that entail spraying the rims with paint when a scratch occurs, etc? That sort of thing?
Thank you!

Not paint, just a light mist of rustproofing. After a few applications, a nice protective layer builds up. I usually degrease them in the spring and start over.

[bentjazz]

06YarisRS, do you have a recommendation for a rustproofing product I should use? I'm assuming it's a spray, right? Thanks.

[dogsridewith]

Toyota and Miata steelies are two pieces welded together. I oil the crack where they meet w/ Corrosion Block. The powder coater who did this Yaris' Miata rims in body color said rust first originates from this joint...that he shoots a bead of silver caulk on the various steelies that he paints silver.

The Yaris original 14" steelies got snow tires and Tercel plastic center caps that I paint w/ chrome rattle can. The Miata 14's get summer tread and have their mini chrome plated steel center caps w/ a Mazda symbol in the center.

[06YarisRS]

06YarisRS, do you have a recommendation for a rustproofing product I should use? I'm assuming it's a spray, right? Thanks.

Since Rust Check isn't available in the USA, you might try a product like LPS-3 or Corrosion Block like dogsridewith mentioned.

[bentjazz]

Thanks so much, guys.

[IllusionX]

Wow that's a nice job. I've done mine a few years back as well. Now they are all rusted again lol

Sent from my CLT-L04 using Tapatalk

[06YarisRS]

06YarisRS, do you have a recommendation for a rustproofing product I should use? I'm assuming it's a spray, right? Thanks.

Wow that's a nice job. I've done mine a few years back as well. Now they are all rusted again lol

Sent from my CLT-L04 using Tapatalk

Yes, hence the need for rustproofing. Anything short of rustproofed OEM wheels and you're probably looking at 2 years before the blight is underway. Most aftermarket wheels have a very thin coat of cheap spray paint which is very short- lived. I've actually degreased and painted brand new aftermarket steel wheels before even installing them. Also, before I leave the store, I roll the rims on the floor. I've see ones that are not even straight from the suppliers.

[bentjazz]

I'm definitely going to rustproof these rims. The last thing I want to do is do what I just did with these steelies anytime soon. Thank you for the info guys.

[bentjazz]

Has anyone used Fluid-Film to rustproof their steelies? Thanks.

[06YarisRS]

Has anyone used Fluid-Film to rustproof their steelies? Thanks.

Sure have. I didn't like it as much as thin stuff as it tends to sling globs onto your quarter panels and doors as it's much thicker. A thinner product will likely penetrate better in wheel nut recesses and under wheel weights. If you're really particular, you can dedicate an old microfiber towel/rag and after you let the thin stuff penetrate a bit, give the wheels a little wipe to get the excess off.

Do you wash your car at a self-serve spray bay? If you use a thinner product, it seems to attract less dirt/dust and sprays the dust off a little easier, leaving a cleaner, 'fresher' look. The thin stuff will leave a waxy layer even after you spray the wheels. The thicker stuff seems to turn the wheels a little browner as it captures and holds dust, brake dust etc.

Some folks will deem this a little overboard, but once you get your routines down, it takes but minutes occasionally and your wheels will look great all the time.

[bentjazz]

Thanks a bunch, 06YarisRS. I called Rust Check (the stuff you mentioned), and they said they would send me some by the case. Finding Corrosion Block or LPS-3 is proving a tad difficult, but I did notice Corrosion Block is available via Amazon.

[dogsridewith]

I think my CB came straight from CB, Florida. I dislike anything spray-can if not a good reason for, so got 32 ounce plastic bottle which comes w/ little hand-spritz bottle.

After first apply it weeps out of the steelie weld line and collects dust on the rim. But wipes off the red powdercoat finish very easily and leaves great shine. (Then I just pretty much leave the wheels alone...along with the rest of the car, except windows.)

[bentjazz]

Thank you for that info, dogsridewith.