Hubcap misery.....

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[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.

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.