painting your wheel covers? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Stevo · #1 04-23-2002, 12:44 PM

I just read in a post about "Nilliebelle's " trip home,( a road trip sounds fun about now) someone mentioned painting your wheel covers and I am looking for input on that. I have alloys on my 240d and would rather have the more traditional look ( at least to my eye) of the "painted to match" wheel covers. I tried repainting one and the results were not acceptable, took me over an hour using blue lacquer touch up paint and when I stood back the job just didn't cut it. Does anyone have any tips on this ? I have a set of plane chrome ones that look real good and a set of white ones that I could repaint if I knew how or have repainted by a pro if all else fails. BTW I need dark blue (dont have the paint # here) if anyone has a set, or trade for plane ones let me know.

Would another forum be more appropriate for this post? Its not exactly DIESEL related.

jcd · #2 04-23-2002, 01:53 PM

My father had the car repainted at an MB dealer, including the wheel covers for $150 a piece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The look GREAT, but I am glad it was on his tab.

JCD

#3 04-23-2002, 02:23 PM

First, I'd have a paint shop do it. When I had my 240 repainted, I asked them to do my three extra wheel covers...worked out fine.

Second...You will want to use an aerosol or other spray. First, take a crayon or some other wax medium and do all the parts that will remain "clean" stainless. Spray paint the wheel cover(s). Let dry. Then wipe off the paint from the greased area...it won't stick.

I did two covers for my Packard this way...looks pretty good.

Stevo · #4 04-23-2002, 07:01 PM

Thanks for the good info. Wax sounds like its worth a try especially if they could run any where near $150.00 ea at a paint shop, Yeekks!! Yes I'll bet there are a bunch of those templates laying around in some dark corner of somebodies shop someplace in the world.

A buddy of mines Dad had a 1950 or so Packard when I was a kid. As I remember it was a dark green w/ painted to match wheel covers, a very cool car.

I posted the question to the vintage guys.

#5 04-24-2002, 01:16 AM

Stevo, if you are coming through Oklahoma I will do them for (good) Beer if you buy the paint/materials. You need to use a good urathane primer if painting on chrome. I masked mine off and trimmed with a razor but might try the crayon/wax trick next time. I painted mine when I did the car and they look good and are holding up well.

Stevo · #6 04-24-2002, 11:45 AM

Steve.....thanks for the kind offer. Actually if I didn't live up in the upper left corner I would take you up on it as GOOD beer is one of my favorite things. I even do up a darn good home brew.

I might be able to mask off the star part but the circle,..... well maybe the crayon will work there. Think I will try it on the white set and keep the plane ones as they are the next best thing. Most people around here are hot for alloys but I sure like the matched color. Thanks for your help

#7 04-24-2002, 01:00 PM

Mask off the circle and trim the excess with a razor. You need a steady hand and patience.

#8 04-24-2002, 06:22 PM

If you live near any medium to large sign company that does plastic sign faces take the covers in and ask them to shoot them with the spray mask used for sign work. If they charge you (most won't) it should not be more than $10.00 for all of them. The stuff is a water based mask that dries like rubber. Cut the areas you want painted and peel it off. Then spray the wheels with a good epoxy paint, let dry and peel the mask off. Mask is thinner than tape, will leave a very clean line, and is fast and easy. It's how I did the covers on my 200d. You may ask how much to do the whole job, the sign industry still uses lots of good lead based paints that will shine like no other and is hard as nails.