Fresh “Like New” Rims

I wanted to get a second set of wheels for my car, strictly for the summer. But I didn’t want to spend too much $$ on a car that is not paid in full. If you are lucky to drive in Ontario, with our winters? You likely will have a second set of winter tires.

OR

1. Drive an AWD vehicle with good tread all-season is usually fine in the southern parts of Canada

2. Have a set of winter rubber that is changed out every season at ~ $25 per tire. Some places include free nitrogen top ups which help maintain consistent air pressure

3. Have a set of winter wheels that you swap in garage, driveway or parking lot (safely of course)

Changing seasons means changing road conditions and tires keep you in control. A bonus is a reduction on your monthly insurance, talk to your insurance broker if you didn’t already know

The point of this post is I wanted to get a set of summer wheels for my ride. I picked up a set on Kijiji for the price of one tire. It’s from a prior year model so it has some road rash and the rubber is about 60% worn. I watched a few videos on YouTube and here are my points if you do DIY upgrade at home!

BEFORE:

Material:

• PPE (Respirator, gloves, goggles, coverall)
• Sandpaper (400 grit)
• Wash rims with a degreased (Water + Dish soap and a brush)
• Keep fingers, sweat any body fluids off (the oils will interfere with the adhesion)
• Prime x2
• Paint 3x coats at different angles
• Sealer x2
• Top coat x2
• Speech index cards 1 pack is enough for 4x 18 rims. Did 2x tires at a time and reused

Time: 4 – 6 hours

 

Steps:
So I sanded down the set of four that had visual discolouration from surface stains and physical impressions. I lightly sanded one pairs full surface and partially on the other pair (my test to see if sanding made a difference over time)

 

 

1. Setup the pair side by side
2. Allow enough room around it to get all angles
3. Place the index cards (needs a location with no wind or gusts)
4. Prime the pair
5. First coat is light
6. wait 20mins
7. second is wet
8. Wait 20mins
9. Repeat steps 4-8 with paint, sealer and top coat
   
   

All products were picked up from Canadian Tire.  In total this project cost me under 200 bucks and after 5 months I can say that this DIY project was a total success, even some left over paint for touch ups if necessary!

AFTER: