nymart

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?

Sneaky Pete

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.

Mark I

What Pete said...you can also use a socket with an insert to help preserve the paint.

nymart

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?

onewhippedpuppy

This. $5 and a few coats and you'll be done. To preserve your bolt heads and the wheels go buy a set of "soft sockets". You can find them at most tool stores, at least those that sell auto related tools. I think mine are from good old Harbor Freight.

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

nymart

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.

Neb

I dipped the bolts too, as suggested above. Just stick them in a box with 20 holes and spray away.

nymart

Neb...any issues with it scratching off during install?

Neb

You have to be more careful putting socket on and off. Still use the same Socket size. I did 5-6 coats. And I hand torque then use torque wrench. No peeling.

pesuazo

I bought and installed the bolt covers.......

onewhippedpuppy

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.

alpine003

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.

nymart

thanks for the suggestions guys!!

Ubermensch

Does powder coat hold up to removal and installation?

Revn29k00

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