Painted rims...what to do about lug bolts
#1
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Painted rims...what to do about lug bolts
So since I pulled the bacl wheels off to do the coils, I decided to pull all four wheels and Plastidip my rims. I'll post pics when they are done. Went with Anthracite Grey Metallic with a little gloss. So far I'm really happy with the results and I think it will go well with the blue and make the car a little more "mean" looking. But what to do about the lug bolts. I've searched all over the net and the only thing I can find are the standard, black or chrome. I don't think any of those will look good. I can just Plastidip the bolt heads to match but I assume that it will just rip off when I try to put them back on. Any suggestions?
#2
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Go to a Auto Parts place and find some spray paint that matches. Clean the lugs up, get some cardboard and poke 20 holes in it to put your lugs through. That way you only paint the heads and not the threads. But all said and done black would look fine.
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I saw a socket with an insert, but it said NOT to be used on stock steel lugs...only to be used on Aluminum lugs...is there another type that someone can recommend?
#5
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If you want to be really fancy you can get a set of bolt covers, though they have to be removed before you can remove the lug bolt. http://otisincla.com/index.php?route...egory&path=223
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Thanks onewhipped...I actually did order a set of grey bolt covers...I'm just not sure how well they really stay on. I figured I'll see how well the grey matches the color of the rims and if it's too far off, I'll plastidip the covers so they match. And since I practically live at Harbor Freight for tools that I only use on occassion, I'll be sure to look for the soft sockets next time I'm there.
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#11
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My old 2001 came with beautiful black powdercoated '02 lightweight wheels and the black bolt head covers from Otis. They snapped on pretty positively and had a nice little tool for removal, I don't think they would fall off. My only complaint was having to snap them off before pulling the bolts, but it's a minor nuisance.
#12
If you want a long term solution and not have to be delicate or touch up wheel bolts everytime, I would look into getting them blasted and powder coated. A couple places around me charge under $50 for this service.
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Will the socket still fit over the lug after powder coating? You could always leave the lugs chrome. I think it would be a nice contrast but it's obviously personal preference