madspeed_si

hey all, I know this is a stupid DIY project but I need everybody's opinions. Well since I have a 2000 civic coupe insurance is very expensive and im still paying my auto loans, so basically i cant afford to buy new rims. So what im thinking is painting my hubcaps to whatever looks best for my car. So do you guys think that painting the hubcaps is not a good idea? and is that too ricey???

thanks

imported_cet_civic

I dont think its that bad, as long as its not too colourful...Id recommend a darker colour to offset the colour of your car...

any gunmetal would be fine IMO.

or you could always try to find some used OEM rims for a good price. Plus Winter is coming up pretty quick, so its not a bad idea...

I did my own DIY hubcaps refinishing ...I see if I can pull it up for ya..

madspeed_si

Aight thanks man... I will do a DIY next weekend

imported_cet_civic

Here we go...

Firstly I took some 600 Grit Sandpaper and sanded the hubcaps down till all the flaking became flush and smooth.





then, after sanding all hubcaps, I then cleaned them up, in the bathtub (cause thats all I had to use - apartment living) then I noticed some spots that I missed, so I repeated the first 2 steps (Sand and Clean)

After they were all clean, I started Primering the hubcaps, and then sanded again till it was consistently smooth. repeating the primering stage until you are satisfied with the results. Since I used a Primer / Filler I used it quite liberally to fill in some of the scratches and stuff.



After they were dry - the next day. I then took a clean damp rag (not too damp) and cleaned off the dust so that the paint would have something clean to adhere to.

I then started to paint them with a colour of your choice. I chose an older Honda Factory Graphite Grey - 47-0541-2 from Canadian Tire.



lightly started to spray and in consistent patterns. Evenly distributing the paint.



I painted one at a time, and put more than one coat on. The hardest part is waiting......I waited 2 days till I started with the clear coat. I put a few coats of clear coat on, and let that dry another day, and then put them on.





Volia...instant new look for only ~20 bucks

hope this helps...
Adam

madspeed_si

thanks man... you always help me out... well i noticed that you did alot of sanding and it also took you 3 - 4 days to finish it... and why did you have to wait for 2 days to apply clear coat?

thanks again man... your a big help

imported_cet_civic

just to let it adhere to the hubbys really well...I didnt want it coming off easily by stone chips, etc.

imported_cet_civic

no problem man!

Mustang killer

I just did mine to my civic looks good i will post sum pics

imported_gunnis

I painted mine roughly the same colour as cet-civic. Not nearly as in depth.
I sanded lightly to get the crap off, loose chips anything like that. i then used duplicolour paint in a gunmetal colour, and did two good coats. no clear coat waited for them to dry stuck em back on it took about an hour and they havn't chipped yet.

98siG

i painted mine gunmetal came out really nice

txtadik

looks awesome! when i come in for my 48000 service, i'll get honda to just give me the hubcaps in a bag then paint away... there's no way to take them off (7th gen sedan) without removing the bolts right? ... *i don't have a car jack *

CivicAngel

Do you guys agree that i should use a primer then before starting my hubs because i was originaly jus goin to sand them right down, clean them then just start painting then apply a top coat? If you do recommend a primer any suggestions???

imported_nsr250

The bolts are what hold the hubcap in place. You can always use the spare tire jack in the trunk like I used to do long ago.

imported_nsr250

Primer is always better , paint sticks better and color comes out nicer too. Usually any type of automotive paint primer at canadian tire will do.