4Runner rims for Taco

Hello all. Recently picked up some 2001 4Runner rims. I plan to clean and paint them for the Taco. Any advice/recommendations for color and process? I don't want to black them out, just something a little darker than the lunar mist on the truck. Need a little contrast. Any brand of paint better than another? Rustoleum, Dupli-color, Krylon, VHT? I've never painted alloys before, so any advice would be great. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Love these wheels on 1st gen Tacomas.

 

same

 

A set popped up on CL here last night for $200. I'm really fighting the urge to pick them up and sell my OEM alloys.

 

OP, you can always try plasti dip to see how a darker color looks. It's reasonably durable (with enough coats) and temporary.

See post #7. Might be a color that works for you.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/post-your-gun-metal-plasti-dipped-emblems-badges.381526/

 

I used Rustoleum Flat Soft Iron on mine. Similar color to the post mentioned above. As far as durability, it's all in the prep work!

 

So true. And I think that really applies to anything you spray on your truck if you want good adhesion.

 

I just finished my Tundra wheels. I used Duplicilor wheel paint, graphite with mattte clear coat. Take your time, 2 wheels at a time when painting. Sand and prep as needed, remove wheel weights, use acetone to remove grease & use primer! Make sure the temp and humidity are good for painting or you'll end up with a bad finish. Good luck.
(Color is darker in person)

 

Those look sweet! Nice work...

 

Love my 4Runner rims!

 

Me too! They only weigh 21 lbs. each. I have 2 sets.

 

Nice. I don't know what it is about the design, but it just works with first gens.

That's it. I'm selling my stock alloys and getting some of these.

 

Just painted these in about 2 hours including degreasing, granted they're the fourth set of wheels I've painted and I used to paint houses for a living when I was younger.



Process:

Degrease

Scuff up with scotch brite pad or 320 - 400 grit sandpaper (scotch brite is way more flexible and easier to use imo)

2 coats primer w/ rustoleum automotive primer

2 coats rustoleum flat black enamel (lays down way smoother than gloss and it's going to get glossy from the clear anyway)

4-6 coats rustoleum x2 glossy clear (could use any sheen such as matte)

I usually get one started and hit it with coats while starting on another. I keep this process going until all are done - I have them dry standing up - less chance of having stuff land and get stuck in the paint



If you want to get fancy you can do this as well, but it takes a ton of time and I still have some touchup to do, so I don't recommend it unless you're set on trying out something new. It really only makes sense with wheels that have a clearly defined edge anyway unlike those 4runner wheels you have. They do look sweet on DJB1's truck - I bet they will look great on yours as well!

 

Pretty sweet job and write up. Is the process different for alloys? I notice the black set are steel wheels.