from rags to riches - my first wheel painting experience

[cbizz]

So I picked up a set of OEM 4 bolt focus 15" wheels for $60 on kijiji. They had some paint chips and needed some TLC so I decided to paint them myself.

here's the process I followed.

1. Degrease and clean wheels thoroughly.
2, Sand away any nicks or curb marks ( I used 220 grit sand paper)
3. Clean wheels thoroughly with dish soap and let dry.
4. 2 to 3 coats of self etching primer.
5. 2 to 3 coats of high heat enamel or wheel paint (I used rustoleum brand)
6. 2 to 3 coats (to desired finish) of gloss clear coat.

Here are the pics,

Now to settle on winter tires. Overall a pretty easy DIY anybody thinking of painting your own wheels give it a shot I'm happy with my results.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Looks good.

 

[M-Sport fan]

Looks GREAT, and if I was not so much in love with the way the Sparco Terras, or Assetto Garas looked for winter wheels, I would do the same thing myself.

 

[skidro87]

Can you get the sensors in those wheels? The tpms

 

[neeqness]

How long did it take you?

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[cbizz]

3 to 4 hours, once they are ready for paint it goes quick. I let the wheels dry overnight between primer and top coats. Both cans of primer and paint said they dry in 30mins. So this could be done all in one shot

 

[cbizz]

Can you get the sensors in those wheels? The tpms

Not sure tbh, I usually drive in sport mode so the orange dash light won't bother me.

 

[M-Sport fan]

^^^I am even thinking about 'writing out' the TPMS codes/system from the BCM completely, IF that is possible?

 

[neeqness]

^^^I am even thinking about 'writing out' the TPMS codes/system from the BCM completely, IF that is possible?

Agreed I want to lower my pressure but the light keeps coming on. Wish I could at least set it a few psi less...

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[CanadianGuy]

Agreed I want to lower my pressure but the light keeps coming on. Wish I could at least set it a few psi less...

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Pretty sure if you learn the TPMS while at the pressure you want it will take it as the correct value and adjust to be less for the fail. Reason I say this is my winters have less and they don't throw codes after I learn them via the TPMS tool.

 

[neeqness]

Pretty sure if you learn the TPMS while at the pressure you want it will take it as the correct value and adjust to be less for the fail. Reason I say this is my winters have less and they don't throw codes after I learn them via the TPMS tool.

Hmm, what TPMS tool? I'll have to look into that.

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[CanadianGuy]

Hmm, what TPMS tool? I'll have to look into that.

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TPMS 19.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Truck-...on-Reset-Tool-Motorcraft-TPMS19-/262053320066

 

[neeqness]

TPMS 19.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Truck-...on-Reset-Tool-Motorcraft-TPMS19-/262053320066

Thanks!

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[cbizz]

getting these installed this afternoon, went with GT Radial Champiro Icepros in 185/60/15. Planning on using the oem wheel lugs/nuts does anybody foresee having an issue?

 

[cbizz]

Ta Da

 

[OCS12]

getting these installed this afternoon, went with GT Radial Champiro Icepros in 185/60/15. Planning on using the oem wheel lugs/nuts does anybody foresee having an issue?

OEM lug nuts should be fine. A friend of mine who changes wheels more than most women change shoes has had just about every Ford wheel on his Focus, including the factory wheels off my ST. No issues ever.

 

[M-Sport fan]

Ta Da

Looks GREAT, especially for that price! (It looks like a much more costly setup. )