DIY: Customizing rims; Part deux! (56K)

[LAFENGAS]

Sorry, it's been quite some time since I've posted any DIY's on this board...

I did a similar project last spring, but wasn't very happy with the results. Instead of giving the lips a brushed look like i did last year, i decided to polish them. Also last year, i painted the rims the color i wanted.... this time i s***** it up and powdercoated them a color i bit darker then i originally wanted to. My main reason was for more contrast between the centers and the lips.

Anyway, without getting too much into detail.

1.) Sandblasting took about 6 hrs.
2.) Sanding/Buffing took about 4 hrs.
3.) Polishing took about 10 hrs.


4.) Masking took about 2 hrs.
5.) All powdercoating took about 4 hrs.

I think the results are decent. I can't wait to slap them on the car. Unfortunately...it's in storage and i won't be able to do it for 3-4 more months..

Here are pics of all of the steps:

Wheel polishing. I used a drill, the air grinder was freezing my hand.
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished.JPG

after lots of polishing:
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_01.JPG
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_02.JPG

starting masking off the polished lip to protect it from powdercoating.
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_03.JPG

I thought this was a cool idea. I went to the local BMW dealership and took all of the used wheelweights they had thrown away at the time. Removed the two sided tape from the backside and sandblasted them. This way I could powdercoat them to match my wheels, and they won't stick out.

http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_04.JPG

Here the lip is completely masked and hung, awaiting the powder.

http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_05.JPG

Freshly applied "Gunmetal" powder:
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_06.JPG

[LAFENGAS]

I just started to melt the powder and took them out of the oven to remove the masking. By doing this, i remove the masking while the powder is soft (like tacky paint). If i removed this when the powder was fully cured, it would peel the powdercoat and i wouldn't get a nice clean edge.

http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_07.JPG

Outermost masking removed:
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_08.JPG

and the inner masking removed.....fully exposing my polished lips:
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_09.JPG

Still not done, i want to protect the aluminum from any kind of corrosion and from road debris.... so i clearcoat the entire rim. I goes on white, but will cure absolutely clear.

[LAFENGAS]

Spraying the clear:

http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_11.JPG

and fresh out of the oven in their completed stage:

http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_12.JPG

http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_13.JPG

http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_14.JPG

for pimp factor, matching wheel weights:
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_10.JPG

[LAFENGAS]

VOILA! :clap: :thanks:
http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_15.JPG

I'm just happy to have this project done and out of the way. I'm sure I'll post pics once i get them mounted.

I take another picture of them outside during the day, to show a better prespective.

Next on the TO DO list:

1.) Custom BBK
2.) Custom Seats


i hope some of you learned a couple things. :thumbup:

[glenspeed]

damn those look good...nice job indeed! :yourmyido

the wheel weights too??? man, that is definately going above and beyond!

[christyles]

:eek:


:yourmyido for absolute attention to detail.

Awesome job J.

[audiophilia]

excellent, detailed DIY. Great job!

Thanks for the thread... :thumbsup:

[Airbalancer]

unbelievable woot

[stax]

that is really amazing stuff. where did u get them powedercoated??? i think jeff330ci was looking 4 a place for the same wheels too.

[Gianpaolo_E46]

i would do this just because rims are a bitch to clean!

[christyles]

that is really amazing stuff. where did u get them powedercoated??? i think jeff330ci was looking 4 a place for the same wheels too.
I think Josh dun dizzle them himself fo shizzle. This guy's got crazy skill.

[LAFENGAS]

I think Josh dun dizzle them himself fo shizzle.

you are correct. The amazing part, this darastic change only cost me $80, the cost of polishing supples. Everything else i already had/utilized.


not a bad mod for $80. :Idunno:

[webbie]

awesome, DIY of the year.

[LAFENGAS]

I'm VERY happy with the way these has turned out! Mounted and balanced them lastnight.... now the long wait (3 months+) before I get to put them on the car.

http://ubrf.ddetail.com/lafengas/wheels_project/wheel_polished_16.JPG

[Rocka]

Truly amazing work. You got mad skillz LAFENGAS. All your DIY work looks better than some professionally done work. :thumbsup: