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PCronin68's avatar
PCronin68
Explorer
Aug 29, 2022

painting/replacing wheel simulator rim liner

Has anyone painted or replaced the chrome 19.5 F53 FORD 10 LUG RV motorhome wheel simulator rim liner black? I think the black would match paint scheme on my 2014 Bounder 34B better. Little to no chrome anywhere else on RV.
Thanks
  • JRscooby wrote:
    If you don't want the chrome of the simulators, take them off. The only reason they are used is because it cost less to polish the lightweight piece than the wheel. Painting over the plating, and making it stick is PITA. Paint the wheel is easier.


    Not sure how painting the wheel is easier. Usually there's a ton of dirt and some rust. To do it right they would need to be removed, tire removed, hand sanded or media blasted and then painted and put all back together again.

    Sure you could try and tape it up on the RV and use a rattle can, but results usually reflect the approach. Trying to clean and remove rust, tape a perfect circle, cover the lugs, the center cap, stem and paint outside without over spray and drips is challenging.

    Wheel covers come off easy are smaller and snap back on. There's no plating, usually they're polished SS or aluminum.
  • way2roll wrote:
    JRscooby wrote:
    If you don't want the chrome of the simulators, take them off. The only reason they are used is because it cost less to polish the lightweight piece than the wheel. Painting over the plating, and making it stick is PITA. Paint the wheel is easier.


    Not sure how painting the wheel is easier. Usually there's a ton of dirt and some rust. To do it right they would need to be removed, tire removed, hand sanded or media blasted and then painted and put all back together again.

    Sure you could try and tape it up on the RV and use a rattle can, but results usually reflect the approach. Trying to clean and remove rust, tape a perfect circle, cover the lugs, the center cap, stem and paint outside without over spray and drips is challenging.

    Wheel covers come off easy are smaller and snap back on. There's no plating, usually they're polished SS or aluminum.


    Yes possibly buying a new set and painting hold ones would be best bet. I have a friend who runs a body shop that could paint them for me.