PAINTING YOUR FJ WHEELS: Instructions w/ pics

[smalls]

To read the original full thread and post questions/comments on this topic, please go to How to: Paint your Wheels!



First, I want to credit Dragon, as he was first that I know of to do this, and I thought his looked GREAT.

So first.. Materials.

-Latex Gloves
-Index Cards
-Painters Tape
-3M 320 grit sanding blocks
-tarp
-cloths
-tack cloth
-FJ Luminox (keeping time on your items)
-Dupli-color black primer - 3 cans
-duplicolor Satin Black wheel paint (HWP-104) - 4 cans
-wheel cleaner
-a new elbow



Ok, I have one jack and no jack stands (..aprartment life ) , so I am working with two wheels at a time.

First, I cleaned and dried the two wheels I had taken off the FJ.
Next I sanded them with the 320 grit block. You will need two of these at least for all 5 wheels. Then I hit them with a dry cloth then a tack cloth.

I thought I would be able to just use the note cards to catch over spray. Im not sure if it was just because of my wheels, but that didnt work for me. So, here it what I came up with.



I just taped off around the lip of the rim, and then slid note cards behind the tape. It worked out well.

Next I hit the inside of the wheels with 2 coats of black primer. I waited 20 min. in between each coat.



45 min. after the last coat of primer, I put on 2 coats of dupli-color wheel paint (Flat Black). Again, I waited 20 min. in between coats.

For the outside of the wheels, I did everything exactly the same, except I put 4 light coats of wheel paint on.

I was very pleased with the initial results. I have taken a picture with and without the flash, so you can get the idea of how the paint reacts to light.

-without flash-


-with flash-


For the wheel caps. I popped those off. And followed the exact same procedure as the outside of the wheels. (2 coats of primer, 4 coats of wheel paint)

Here are the latest pics.







UPDATE:

I put the wheels back on the truck.

I LIKE.

[NorCalCruiser]

To read the original full thread and post questions/comments on this topic, please go to http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...can-style.html



So I did not like the machined alloy wheels that my FJC came with. I did, however, like the style and saw what I thought needed to be done. I decided to paint my wheels, although I know this has been posted here before...this is just a slight variation that in my mind . . . looks really cool.

I started by removing all the wheels and tires. I then took my time using the conventional 1" masking tape to carefully mask around the wheel. I worked my way up about 2"-3" above the wheel lip. I scored some of my wifes plastic wrap and wrapped the entire tire down to my tape line.....No chance of getting paint on them!

I first applied brake clean to the wheel and wiped it off thoroughly. Then I used an auto body scuffing sponge to scuff the wheel....you just need to make sure that all shine on the wheel is eliminated, Be patient.....I am the type of person that wants everything yesterday!!, so this part was a little tedious.

After scuffing, I wiped the wheel again with brake clean....then proceeded to place the little circular pricing dots from an office supply store over the factory indentations, or dimples. The next step was spraying down 4 coats of etching primer in black, starting with very thin coats and holding the can about 8" away..I made sure it was uniform and solid black everywhere. Let sit for an hour.

After checking an inconspicuous spot to make sure it was dry, I started appliying "Krylon Satin Black Wheel Paint" Untill desired result was achieved...4 coats worked well for me. Everyone said they appear similar to the "KMC Rockstars" only 6 spoke.

I am Happy with the results, it took about 2 hours a wheel, $48.00 in paint, a dirty look from the wife (for taking her plastic wrap), and roughly a 12 pack of Corona....Ice cold of course.