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Anyone Try Painting the 15" Hubcaps?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by evpv, Jan 26, 2011.

  1. evpv

    evpv Active Member

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    Here's a few Photoshop mods on the stock Gen III hubcaps. I think there might be some potential to make them look better with some strategic painting.

    Version 1, stock is on left
    [​IMG]

    Version 2, stock is on left
    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 evpv, Jan 26, 2011
  2. HI MPG

    HI MPG Active Member

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    Not seeing much change on the Version 2 set, but the Version 1 set looks kinda cool.
     
    #2 HI MPG, Jan 26, 2011
  3. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Version 2 far right looks best to me. It makes the wheel look lighter,

    Something to consider if you go with one of the dark spoke versions is that the cast spokes behind the hubcap will stick out like sore thumbs.
     
    #3 xs650, Jan 26, 2011
  4. unkprius

    unkprius Member

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    Yep the far right row 2 would make it look kinda like a 17 incher via optical illusion.
     
    #4 unkprius, Jan 27, 2011
  5. cit1991

    cit1991 New Member

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    #5 cit1991, Jan 27, 2011
  6. evpv

    evpv Active Member

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    How about this one, blacking out the stock rim and painting the sidewall of the tire silver to give the appearance of a bigger wheel. There are some flexible paints in spray cans that would stick to the tire. Just a light coat would be needed, it wouldn't damage the tire.

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    #6 evpv, Jan 31, 2011
  7. Rokeby

    Rokeby Member

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    Although they are currently out of style, thin white walls would
    accomplish a similar visual effect: ;)
    [​IMG]

    Anyone who has driven and maintained a car with white walls --
    and by extension grey or silver paint -- will tell you that the
    amount of cleaning, including vigorous scrubbing with a stiff
    bristle brush, does not admit to a "light coat" of paint lasting
    very long or looking very good over the long haul.
     
    #7 Rokeby, Jan 31, 2011
  8. evpv

    evpv Active Member

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    Been there, done that. I had a Mercedes 280SL with whitewalls exactly like your photo. Pick up a product called Bleche White and it's as easy as spray-on, spray-off. No scrubbing needed for perfectly white sidewalls.

    I'm pretty confident the silver paint would last on the sidewall. Maybe do a test on the inner side of the tire. But I don't have 15" tires to try it on.
     
    #8 evpv, Jan 31, 2011
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