Suggestions for rim / modded rims on 2011 Blue Ribbon Metallic

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by bkborgman, Aug 4, 2016.

  1. bkborgman

    bkborgman Junior Member

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    Hi guys,

    I own a 2011 Blue Ribbon Metallic Prius (III?). A few weeks ago I clipped a curb at low speed which popped off a hubcap. The guy behind me didn't see it in time and ran it over. I didn't snap any photos of my car recently so I've found some stock images online. Basically my car looks like this:

    [​IMG]

    Because the rims are a light gray, I think taking off the hubcaps looks pretty bad on my color of car (compared to the Blizzard Pearl on which I think it looks great) because the rims are just too bright. For example:

    [​IMG]

    Now I'm thinking about whether I should drop $70 on a replacement hubcap (I guess I can find them for $30 in Ebay), take off all the hubcaps, paint the wheels, or go out and buy new wheels.

    Concerning painting the wheels, I'm not sure exactly how one should go about doing this (the results don't look too bad although I think a darker gray might be preferable over black) and I don't have access to a torque wrench so it might be somewhat difficult to ensure I get everything back to specs. I've seen some pretty nice looking wheels out there, for example I really like these and these here are nice too. Unfortunately I don't know anything about buying replacement wheels beyond the obvious: get the right size. Can anyone identify these wheels?

    Do you guys have any advice or tips? Has anyone else with a Blue Ribbon Metallic Prius pained or replaced their wheels? What might you guys suggest?

    P.S. I've also noticed a lot of other Priuses have a darker shade of blue than mine Was there a change in paint color in the Gen3 line?
     
    #1 bkborgman, Aug 4, 2016
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    I have a Winter Gray Metallic Prius and I think it looks fine with the plastic wheel covers removed. I added centercaps and IMO they look fine.

    Dark car and oem silver painted wheels.
     
    #2 xliderider, Aug 4, 2016
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  3. bkborgman

    bkborgman Junior Member

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    Are there OEM centercaps or something else?
     
    #3 bkborgman, Aug 4, 2016
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  4. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Here's my 2009 Gen II (touring) without wheel-trims (and I added the wheel centres (eBay - <$30 for the set) - IMNSHO it looks better, and keeps the wheels cleaner (no nooks/crannies to collect dirt):
    Chuggy_fall4 | PriusChat

    [​IMG]
     
    #4 WilDavis, Aug 4, 2016
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  5. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    #5 xliderider, Aug 5, 2016
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  6. HelloHybrid

    HelloHybrid Senior Member

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    That first set of wheels you like are the ones off a Scion FRS / Subaru BRZ (same car). Not sure where you're from, but I've seen them on Craigslist for like $250 for all 4. Usually someone in the Private Sales forum is trying to sell a set as well. These aren't plug n play. You'll need a 3mm spacer on the front wheels to clear the brake caliper. There's an entire thread with more details here on priuschat in the mod forum.

    The second set looks like an older model Lexus CT200H wheels, except I don't remember them looking that dark.

    You can always try a can of Plastidip to paint your stock wheels. You don't even need to take them off the car if you're worried about not having a torque wrench. And it'll only run you like $8 and a few hours of your time. You should also order some centercaps to cover up that exposed hub.
     
    #6 HelloHybrid, Aug 5, 2016
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  7. RMB

    RMB Senior Member

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    Kinda like why I swapped out my wheels. I had my factory black wheels, with wheel covers removed, satisfied with it and drove the Prius like this for 2 + years. But one rush lunch time appointment while parking I rubbed a curb and put a fat rash on 1 of them. Soon after I bought a set of 17" Corolla S wheels off Craigslist. Problems solved LoL.
     
    #7 RMB, Aug 5, 2016
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  8. bkborgman

    bkborgman Junior Member

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    I'll lose the hubcaps and try giving the center caps a shot. If I don't like it, plastidip is the next option. Thanks for your advice!
     
    #8 bkborgman, Aug 5, 2016
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