New 17" TRD Wheel Shown At SEMA

Good. I'm glad I could finally help someone. It's hard to tell by the pic but trust me when I tell you that you want glossy(as long as you tape the letters off like I did. It only took me 15 minuets to do all four)

 

I thought it was the letters that would peel off overtime. Wouldn't you want to tape everything surrounding the trd letters? That way you are only applying clear coat to the trd letters itself?

 

I would take the center cap off and spray the whole thing for the best protection, then you also wouldn't have tape marks. Perhaps others that have sprayed their caps can post pics or share what they have done.

 

That's what I did. The whole Cap was blue tape. Only thing exposed was the red letters(and the few spots impossible to tape without an exacto knife). So I basically only sprayed the Red letters with clear coat. I know it's hard to tell by pic.

 

That's what I was going to originally do but it would have to be done in Matte. Then your stuck with the dull letters. And if you gloss cleared the whole cap they would stick out like a sore thumb. This is a tricky one. I can't figure out the right way to do it. I'm thinking of hand painting the letters with Touch up paint Clear coat(with the little brush) maybe?

But what I did is unnoticeable unless looking close. Six inches away and you can not see the tape lines.

 

Not sure what you used, but I used a clear coat as well and it looks nothing like that. I taped off around the letters, but not nearly as close as you. On mine you can't see the lines unless your nose is right up to it, and the letters look fine. I'll try to find the can I used.

 

Right here is what I used. You can't see my lines either until right on them. That pic was a close up magnified. It's the dulling of my bright red letters is what the main problem is(for me at least). But still let me know what you used if you can find it.

 

Here's what I used. Maybe a higher quality??

http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/painters-touch-ultra-cover-2x/clear

Or maybe it's just your picture. But what I'm looking at - mine doesn't look like that. The black part of my hub, which was sprayed, isn't as dark as yours, and with those white lines around your spray, it almost looks like it isn't adhering correctly.

I think the only reason I went with what I bought was because it says "works on plastic!" on the can.

 

I have that too. Bought the glossy stuff when I was restoring my headlights. I'll test out both the gloss and matte finish later this weekend on a matte surface I have.

 

Soy, I'm going to try your can of paint. But I meant to ask you if the Matte dulled your letters or not? Not only was my original stuff awful but it made my letter as dull as could be. I know they will be a little dull using Matte but do you like the results of your brightness after using your stuff?

 

I tested the matte and glossy clearcoat over the weekend. Matte finish is on top, gloss on the bottom. Think I'll go with matte finish. Used the same paint can as Soy.

 

I forgot to tell you guys that I bought 4 new caps to replace my botched ones. So I have 4 to play with and test. I bought a bunch of different types of coatings to try.

And the best thing right now is this Removable plastic film paint. It dries EXACTLY the same as what it's covering. Meaning no extra gloss or no Matte finish. It's like I covered it in a piece of glass. So far amazing. What I don't like is the "removable & temporary" part. I don't know if that means it won't last that long. But the sample pieces I've tried this on look solid and tough. I can't peel it right now. But maybe it's too soon. But as far as keeping my center caps the exact same color/sheen this stuff is the best so far. Haven't tried your can yet Soy. That's next. But I'll keep you posted on this stuff. Even if I had to redo once a year I wouldn't mind. But if it's every month or something, that wont work. P.S. I'm covering the whole center cap this time. Not just the letters or the circle where the letters are.

 

Forget this stuff men. I'm sorry. You need 3 to 5 coats and each coat is make it more shiny. That, with it being temporary I don't recommend this method.


On to the next one!!!!!!!!!

 

Soy's paint is the best. I'm going broke buying different kinds to test...haha. I used Soy's over my previous screwed up caps. But they are only screwed up around the letters so it doesn't really matter for this test.

I painted the whole cap this time. Although it's slightly shinny and you can tell it has something on them I think it is the best protection for them. Below is pics off all the paints I have tried. And the good one Soy recommended is on the far right. Plus a pic in direct sunlight of the rim. It shows the variation in sheen. But standing back a couple feet it looks perfect. The ONLY thing I don't like is how I lose that beautiful brightness of the red letters. But that's just me. And I can't think of any way to avoid it without making the whole cap super shinny. I guess a little duller letters is better than peeling off ones!!!!

 

Just got my rims today now I have to get tires. I guess with everyone having some rubbing issue with 265/70/17, I will go with 265/65/17.

Just a thought wedgemoose, tape off and derp it red or match some red nail polish or even a clear nail polish just on the letters. I think they would last 6 months or so.

 

I thought of that but girls are always complaining their nails get beat up in a week. I don't think nail polish is strong enough. Soy's paint is the way to go. I just did all four new ones and they look good. My stock aluminum rims had a shinny center cap when you think about it. It looks like it was made to be this way. Plus the paint he recommended didn't dull my letters as much as the first one I used.

So I'm happy now.

 

Ok I have posted this in another thread but I will post here as well. Here is before and after shots. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 265/65r17, no lift.






Anyone interested in the OEM Bridgestone's let me know. 10800 miles on them.

 

Alright...... now you guys are taking this a bit too far.

Glad your new hubs worked out, Wedge.

 

Just bought these wheels from Olathe yesterday. Curious as to what TPM sensors I should purchase. I have the stamped steel wheels, so I cannot reuse them. My local Toyota dealer quoted $100 a wheel for the sensors. Not paying $400 for sensors when the wheels cost $745.

 

Cool I bought them to from same place same price. I see you have a 2014 SR5, I have a 13 DCLB TRD sport 4x4, Mine came with I guess TRD alloy wheels. If you have the same type on yours you do not need to buy sensors, your old ones will work, as well as the lug nuts. If you have steel wheels I know the lug nuts will not work so you have to buy a new set, as well as TPMS. Call OLATHE back, speak to Brett he will know what the part numbers are if you need them. His prices maybe cheaper anyway..