painting/replacing wheel simulator rim liner

Not wheel covers personally but polished aluminum, yes. The method for painting polished aluminum goes something like : Thoroughly clean the aluminum and let dry. Sand the metal surface with coarse-, then fine-grit sandpaper. Apply self-etching primer, let dry, then sand again. Apply paint - multiple coats, and sanding between coats.

Tough to ever go back though once you go through the process if you don't like it or want to sell it in the future.

Nope. Your rig, your choice. I’ve never thought (still don’t) black rims or white for that matter look good on anything except a little red wagon. Reminds me of the 50’s and 60’s when it was “cool” to remove the hub caps.

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.

wildtoad wrote:
Nope. Your rig, your choice. I’ve never thought (still don’t) black rims or white for that matter look good on anything except a little red wagon. Reminds me of the 50’s and 60’s when it was “cool” to remove the hub caps.

X2. I've yet to see any vehicle that looks better with black wheels than it does with chrome or polished alloy wheels.

OP: Before you go off the deep end, you might want to take a picture of your motorhome and photoshop black wheels on it. Then, if you love the look of it, go for it! (after all, it IS yours, but consider resale as well). Just my opinion.

I would have them powder coated instead of painted, more durable and will last longer

RetiredRealtorRick wrote:


X2. I've yet to see any vehicle that looks better with black wheels than it does with chrome or polished alloy wheels.

OP: Before you go off the deep end, you might want to take a picture of your motorhome and photoshop black wheels on it. Then, if you love the look of it, go for it! (after all, it IS yours, but consider resale as well). Just my opinion.

Resale is another reason to paint the wheels. Buyer has the choice to go back with simulators.

JRscooby wrote:

RetiredRealtorRick wrote:


X2. I've yet to see any vehicle that looks better with black wheels than it does with chrome or polished alloy wheels.

OP: Before you go off the deep end, you might want to take a picture of your motorhome and photoshop black wheels on it. Then, if you love the look of it, go for it! (after all, it IS yours, but consider resale as well). Just my opinion.

Resale is another reason to paint the wheels. Buyer has the choice to go back with simulators.

But a potential buyer might see a pic of the MH with black wheels & dismiss it. Buyers are fickle, and many lack imagination. 30 years in the automobile business taught me that!

I was hoping I could buy them in black and keep the existing liners for any future buyer. Thanks

Black wheel simulators for 19.5 comes up pretty empty on google and the ones I did see were as much per wheel as a whole set of standard polished ones. You can get a new set from various places from $300-400. Paint the old ones black and when the time comes to sell just buy a new set.

PCronin68 wrote:
I was hoping I could buy them in black and keep the existing liners for any future buyer. Thanks

I guess I'm blocked. AFAIK, the only reason to run the liners is to avoid the cost of polishing/plating wheels.