The wheels (in the picture) that are on the car are NOT the original wheels, although they are the same size. I have all four of the wheels that were on the car when it left the dealership. I don't intend on doing anything to the original wheels color-wise. But the ones that are on the car in the picture were bought at a flea market, and painted to look like the original wheels. I'm thinking about painting the wheels (the beige/tan part... NOT the chrome bezels or trim rings). I'm thinking of making them gloss black. I think that would offset the appearance a bit, since the color of THESE wheels match the color of the car's body. And I'm planning on keeping NOTHING but white lettered tires on this set of wheels. I'm asking for some feedback. Should I change the beige/tan part of the wheels to black, or keep them beige/tan? Let's hear what you all have to say!

Click on the attached thumbnail to get a larger side photo of the car.

Thanks for your input!
Chad

 

Here's a pic with the color changed to black (kinda half-assed using the Microsoft paint utility). I'm STILL thinking black... but would appreciate some other opinions.

Thanks,
Chad

 

I like the matching body color.

 

Wow! this is a tough one. Both are classic for the car. Have you considered changing the wheels to a powdercoated silver to simulate chrome? If that's not an option you want, I would probably choose the ones with black accents. They show off the stainless trim better.

Why don't you make this thread into a voting thread?

 

Thanks for your input, citcapp!

 

Hey Allan! Thanks for your input! Never considered powder coat. Right now I'm just doin' the "budget" thing (spray bomb)... And if I DO end up doing something that looks like ****, well... I still have all four of the original wheels. I have NO intention of blemishing that set (citcap probably agrees with me on not doing anything to the original wheels... especially since they are as in as good shape as the entire car is). Basically, I have two sets of (four) wheels... the ones that came on the car, and another set bought at a flea market. The flea market set (which are on the car) were already painted. Right now, my budget can't afford more than some spray bombs... and I'm leaning toward the black. If money wasn't an issue, I actually may consider something like the "solid" look Cragar SST, or an aluminum slot.

Either way, thanks for your input!

Chad

 

Yeah Allan... That was actually my initial thought. I tried to use the "poll" option on the forum, but it wouldn't work.

Chad

 

Check with Omicron. He's the computer / site wizard for CO. He can steer you around what the problem is and probably set you up as a polling thread. He's one of the guys on this site who does so much but doesn't get recognized for his efforts.

I know what its like to be on a budget so paint cans it is! The really nice thing about having the two sets of wheels is you don't have to worry about messing the originals up. I bought extras for my car too and took them to the shop and bead blasted them. Took about 20 minutes per wheel. Holy crap! the original paint that was on them was baked on like you wouldnt believe.

I'm not on a severe budget, so I'm going to go with powdercoating on my spare wheels. It should give a real nice finish that's not as susceptible to chipping or peeling.

BTW I had an 82 Cutlass, but it was a 2 door Supreme, Grey outside, Dove grey inside, buckets full rallye gages, AC and T roof. Only problem was it had a small v8 - think it was a 267. Great gas mileage around town, a real stunning looking car with no oomph on the road. Only kept it for a year. About now I'm thinking that if you have the same engine in your car you're probably laughing all the way past all the pumps in town.

 

I like silver or argent for color.

 

I'd go with the black wheels, but I think maybe a semi-gloss, so the trim rings really pop off the background (once you get them to a highly-polished state, anyway). I'd also turn the tires around to make things less "busy" by removing the distraction of the RWL.

 

I say... Gloss Black rims, Chrome rings, RWL,= You'll always have the originals if you want to fall back on. Having two sets means you can change them to any color combo at any time!

 

That coupe sounds like it was pretty sharp!

I'm laughing harder in a way when passing the pumps. This has the 3.8 Liter / 231c.i. Buick V6.

 

I agree with Cameo White. If you go with black, don't go gloss. I personally think it tends to make the wheels (and paint job), look kind of cheap. I'd go more semi-gloss or satin.

However, with that said, I kind of like the way they are currently painted.