Goodbye chrome! The cheap alternative to new wheels...

[SoCalMP5]

I didn't so much mind the style of the OEM wheels, but I'm not a fan of chrome plating, and it was in rough shape to boot. So, I decided to whip out a left over can of graphite wheel paint and have a go!

Before:

After:

...I have to say, I like it better than the chrome. More understated. In case anyone was wondering, it was Duplicolor Wheel Paint (Graphite color). (idhitit)

 

[JDM_Pro5]

Good thinking. I like the (gunmetal) look with dark blue

 

[JiggaBro]

Looks great. that's one of the first things i did to my midnight blue too. same paint and all. now all you have to do is lower it!

 

[JDM_Pro5]

Jiggabro and I have the 2002 wheels. SoCal, you've got the 2003 wheels, right before they stopped making Midnight Blue and started making laser blue. You also have the side reflector and most likely the 2003 open cup holders

 

[SoCalMP5]

Thanks guys! Yeah, springs are on list. But I'm trying to get my Volvo finished so it's tough to spend money on 2 cars at once!

I didn't know there was a late '02...yes, the cup holders are open, below the radio in front of the shifter.

 

[JDM_Pro5]

Thanks guys! Yeah, springs are on list. But I'm trying to get my Volvo finished so it's tough to spend money on 2 cars at once!

I didn't know there was a late '02...yes, the cup holders are open, below the radio in front of the shifter.

That's right, they are slightly higher so you get a deeper, more secure holder vs our little '02 flaps

*note, I did plastidip my console black. It was originally silver

 

[Dragonpark]

I was looking to do the same to my wheels as bubbles have started to form and such. Did you do any prep work at all or use any sort of clear coat on it?

 

[JDM_Pro5]

I sanded my wheels all over to help the paint stick, did a few coats of primer and a few coats of paint. I think it would have been best if I used clear. My paint fades after so many months and I step outside and give it a quick coat from the can. I have started to see some chips and such. I'm wondering if I would be better off not using the primer.

 

[SoCalMP5]

Nope. I washed the car, then hit em with brake cleaner and wiped them down. Masking tape around the tires, then sprayed 2 coats on each wheel with about 10 mins flash time in between.

The last wheels I painted with this stuff, I sanded them too - but a friend of mine didn't, and you can't tell the difference in the end. So this time I opted to do it the quick and easy way - and they look just fine. This stuff sticks pretty well, it doesn't spray on like a standard spray paint. And it's got a LOT of metalflake in it.

You can see very small ridges where the chrome plating was peeling off - but you have to be within 2 feet, looking closely at the wheels. Since this isn't a show car, I wasn't concerned. 98% of the look and 50% of the work was good enough for me. It would have taken another couple of hours to do it the long way.

 

[Dragonpark]

I just may have to do this during the summer. I have the alloy wheels, not the chromed ones, but I can't imagine the process being any different. It's basically down to either doing them myself or trying to get them powder coated. The price difference is rather large...

 

[SoCalMP5]

This stuff goes on easy and stays really well. I wouldn't bother with the powdercoating since this was 6 bucks.

 

[JiggaBro]

i sanded mine and made it completely smooth since the chrome was cracking. and i hit it with primer, color, then clear.
its been a year and they look just as good as day one.
BUT i did put on MSP wheels yesterday so i have the graphite for a backup set.

on and JDM, i would HIGHLY recommend getting 2003 cupholders. i used to have an ES with the flip ups and they couldnt hold anything. but when i bought the P5 the previous owner had the new cupholders and now i can safely drive with something in it.
i actually painted my cupholders and radio bezel the same color as my new wheels too
<a href="http://s789.photobucket.com/albums/yy176/freddy-ydderf/?action=view&current=beforeandafter.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy176/freddy-ydderf/beforeandafter.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[JDM_Pro5]

I found a 2003 cupholder in a totaled P5. I tried fitting them and the raised surface didn't fit quite right and blocked access to that back pocket. I'm actually happy with the 02's. Yeah they aren't that great but I like being able to prop my phone up in it and close them to hide whatever. Would you mind posting pics of your center console? I originaly considered painting them that color, but didn't. I'm curious what it looks like. I painted my rear M emblem that color.

 

[bigpturgeon]

I did this to my alloys last summer same color. i sanded them down very well, cleaned them off and painted i didn't use a primer at all didn't see the need to. I did about 4 coats of clear coat and as we speak there is not one chip in the paint on any of the wheels. lasted threw summer and winter and are still looking good. You cant go wrong doing this it just adds more style to the car for cheap.