Wheel trim refurbishment

[Philip Chidlow]

In an uncharacteristic moment of clarity I've decided because replacement GTi/TZD hatch-style 'dishy' trims have not been forthcoming, I am minded to refurbish the 'orrid (but correct) TGD trims I have here. They have lost much of their paint but aren't too bashed about. No valve covers of course, but that doesn't bother me too much.

So, does anyone have any tips as to how best go about this?

They are flexible to a degree, so unless I get the prep, priming and finish right I fear they'll go all flakey in no time.

What silver paint should I use? I don't want them too brash, and the original silver looks quite 'flat'/grey.

[Tim Leech]

Its all in the prerpation Phil, sand them down as best you can and get some primer and wheel silver should be ok, warm the paint up and it should stick ok.

Ive painted them before with alloy wheel paint with no peeling problems.

[bx petrol auto saloon]

Dear Phil.
When I was a full-time car valetter Phil, If on your last coat of silver
spray, before it dries, I used spray a coat of clear laquer on whilst the
last coat was still wet. and this dulls down the very bright really silvery
paint, and also gives you a surface that you can clean and polish, as
opposed to one that requires washing al the time Phil.
Hope this helps Phil.
Take Care.
Vince.
PS Don,t forget to use panel de-greaser to clean the wheeltrims before
you paint them to avoid pickling.

[Philip Chidlow]

Sounds like a very good tip, thanks!

[bx petrol auto saloon]

Dear Phil.
That,s a pleasure Phil, no trouble at all, That one about the laquer,
goes back to when I used to be painting lots and lots of Rostyle wheels,
by hand. and without masking them off either. I used to be really enjoy
doing the wheels and the trims, I got to be pretty good at it
All The Best Phil.
Vince.

[citsncycles]

All I'd add to the above is it might last a little longer if you use plastic primer

[Paul296]

All I'd add to the above is it might last a little longer if you use plastic primer

To paint wheeltrims I'd use dedicated plastic paints for the whole thing (particularly the primer) or it will peel eventually.

[Jayboy]

I've used regular Holts spray cans very successfully on AX wheel trims before, but the paint was still on them so I'd definitely go with plastic primer if it's flaked off. Ford Moonstone Silver was a perfect match on the AX, and TG trims were the same shiny silver colour back in the day.

[Defender110]

Ford Moonstone Silver was a perfect match on the AX, and TG trims were the same shiny silver colour back in the day.

Excellent i'll try and remember this, thanks Jayboy, most silvers are too silver for trims.