Repainting piepan center caps

[Jesda]

A couple of my piepan wheels have center caps that are corroded/flaking from sitting in the shed too long. The problem is finding a perfectly matching shade of gray paint to go with the wheels, because if the cap is off, the whole wheel looks wrong.

If I decide to paint them, is it as simple as sanding, priming, and spraying a can? Should I take them to a body shop?

[elwesso]

personally what i would do is paint the entire wheel so that you ensure a good match...

just sand/paint.... Duplicolor makes a nice wheel paint that looks good, lasts good and isnt too expensive, plus i dont think you need a primer.

[VJ1]

Actually, you do need a "plasticized" primer. It's formulated for painting onto plastics such as bumpers, dashboards, wheel caps etc.I've used the PPG line for this, but I don't recall the actual name of the product. Try a google search for PPG Automotive Restoration. This primer will ensure proper bonding of the paint to the caps.Vandi

[Jesda]

Well, I only remembered to take Before picture after I had primed it, so this is a picture of the wheel on the other side. See those brown pits and corroded spots? Thats all from sitting in the shed for almost a year. The one I painted was MUCH worse, about 60% flaked off and brown. $1 for spray paint. $4 for primer. $2 for 220 grit sandpaper. $2 can of acetone and sandpaper helped remove the old paint. Primed. Duct tape used to cover the nub. Installed, waiting to dry. Not a perfect match, but much, MUCH better.
Modified by Jesda at 6:36 AM 9/30/2006

[bobotech]

LOOKS LIKE CRAPP!!!

[Jesda]

LOOKS LIKE CRAPP!!!

THE INTERNET! ITS A MESS OF TUBES!

[bobotech]

THE INTERNET! ITS A MESS OF TUBES!

ITS A VACUUM!!

[louiegz]

Looks good Jes. Nice Job.

[DrewQ45]

He didn't take off the tape yet