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I posted this thread a few months back on sprucing up some used wheels and, aside from some expected sarcasm and a dismissive suggestion or two, I found no guidance. So I decided to strike out on my own. I bought the wheels and tires for $700, after putting 33's on the stock BB wheels and not liking them. Since I had worn out my wife's good will with those two purchases--not to mention the Bronco itself--I decided to try to fix up these wheels as cheaply as possible. Here is what they looked like when I bought them:
A close inspection shows some rock rash--not a big deal--and the rusted bolts, which I discovered was somewhat of an issue with this style Fuel wheel.
I started by removing the bolts and cleaning the wheels, the fake beadlock ring in particular (since it would be the only thing painted).
I bough the products pictured below at Lowe's. I chose to buy these things rather than use kits I found online because I wanted to inspect the products in person. The goal was a good job that could get me by until my wife forgot how much money I've spent.
Though I've never used Bondo, I've done plenty of drywall and woodworking, so I'm familiar with the process of filling, sanding and painting. I had to go through some trial and error when it came to mixing the Bondo, though. Good times.
With the sanding, filling, resanding and prepping with Scotchbrite pads done, the hardest part was masking off the wheels. I've never had to mask of a 3D round object. It was a test of my limited patience, but I did a passable job.
I had a difficult time finding replacement bolts. They are m8 x 8mm, and finding black would really be difficult. My guy at the local hardware store suggested stainless, so I ordered 100 of those (I had to go back for 24 more...I forgot the spare. What an idiot). At ~$300, it was still cheaper than new wheels.
After a coat or two of primer and a good coat of paint, I think they turned out pretty well. What little overspray I got on the wheels came right off with mineral spirits. I still have a little to get off the tires. I'll get to that today. The color is not exactly matched to Cactus Gray, but it's close, and it's complementary, and I think it's better than if it were identical.
In the end, under $400 and I have a new-ish looking set of wheels. I suppose I could have gotten them powdercoated for that, but what's the fun in having somebody else do what you can do yourself?
Now... I'm sure that tire machine will scratch them all to bits when I get new tires mounted. And I"m sure I'll get some new rock rash on them the next time I leave the pavement (yes, I use it as it is intended on occasion). But for now I'm happy, the checkbook is happy, and the wife isn't mad at me. Not bad at all for 1.5 days' work.
A close inspection shows some rock rash--not a big deal--and the rusted bolts, which I discovered was somewhat of an issue with this style Fuel wheel.
I started by removing the bolts and cleaning the wheels, the fake beadlock ring in particular (since it would be the only thing painted).
I bough the products pictured below at Lowe's. I chose to buy these things rather than use kits I found online because I wanted to inspect the products in person. The goal was a good job that could get me by until my wife forgot how much money I've spent.
Though I've never used Bondo, I've done plenty of drywall and woodworking, so I'm familiar with the process of filling, sanding and painting. I had to go through some trial and error when it came to mixing the Bondo, though. Good times.
With the sanding, filling, resanding and prepping with Scotchbrite pads done, the hardest part was masking off the wheels. I've never had to mask of a 3D round object. It was a test of my limited patience, but I did a passable job.
I had a difficult time finding replacement bolts. They are m8 x 8mm, and finding black would really be difficult. My guy at the local hardware store suggested stainless, so I ordered 100 of those (I had to go back for 24 more...I forgot the spare. What an idiot). At ~$300, it was still cheaper than new wheels.
After a coat or two of primer and a good coat of paint, I think they turned out pretty well. What little overspray I got on the wheels came right off with mineral spirits. I still have a little to get off the tires. I'll get to that today. The color is not exactly matched to Cactus Gray, but it's close, and it's complementary, and I think it's better than if it were identical.
In the end, under $400 and I have a new-ish looking set of wheels. I suppose I could have gotten them powdercoated for that, but what's the fun in having somebody else do what you can do yourself?
Now... I'm sure that tire machine will scratch them all to bits when I get new tires mounted. And I"m sure I'll get some new rock rash on them the next time I leave the pavement (yes, I use it as it is intended on occasion). But for now I'm happy, the checkbook is happy, and the wife isn't mad at me. Not bad at all for 1.5 days' work.
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