I wanted classic Cragar SS, but they don't make them to fit a 6-lug. So, I ordered basic white spokes, but when they came in, they wouldn't fit. They rubbed the brake caliper. Ended up with these MB Motion aluminum wheels. They look alright, but not as good as a set of classic Cragar SS's would have looked. Oh well, got these for the same price that the white spokes were gonna cost me, so it was a good deal in the end. White spokes were $52 each, these were listed at $95, so I am happy.

Since the original wheels were gray and the bar across the middle of the grill is the same color, I am now thinking of painting the gray part of the grill flat black. Hhmmm.....

Before

After

The orignals looked fine I think. Not that these rims are bad, but stock we pretty decent. Dont black them out, thats for imports. Only blacked out rims look good on the 3rd gen trans am's.  

Quote from: 71_bigblocknova(71_bigblockn) 

Dont black them out, thats for imports. Only blacked out rims look good on the 3rd gen trans am's.

_______________________________________________________

Huh? What are you talking about?

They didn't read your post correctly.  They think you want to paint your new rims black.  I think the trim bar over the grill would look better black, like you were talking about.  Go to a local autobody supply dealer (check your yellow pages) and get scrubbing pads, and check out a product from SEM called "Trim Black" in a rattle can.  It'll cost you more than your good old flat black squirtcan,  but at the shop I work at, this is what we use to match OEM trim paint.  It looks a little glossier than true flat black,  but it resists rock chipping a whole lot better.  After you scrub the part to a uniform scratchiness, wipe it down with silicone and wax remover... a lot.  Did you scratch right through to the metal anywhere?  Time for the thin even coats of etch primer.  Finish it off within one hour with the trim black in about 4 light to medium coats.  Trust me, your bitchin truck deserves it.  One last point?  We always always always find it easier to do these jobs with the part REMOVED from the vehicle.

Quote by camochrist: They didn't read your post correctly. They think you want to paint your new rims black.

________________________________________________________

I know, I just wanted to see how they would respond. LOL!

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Quote by camochrist: After you scrub the part to a uniform scratchiness, wipe it down with silicone and wax remover... a lot. Did you scratch right through to the metal anywhere?

_________________________________________________________

The trim piece is plastic and already has a rough texture. I will definitely remove the part before painting. Will the "Trim Black" work on plastic? Is it available at Auto Parts stores? Thanks for the tips.

ah, ya, i guess i did mis-read that. sorry.  

Yes, the trim black will definately work on plastic.  You just use a different type of primer.  This is actually easier because you can now leave out the etch primer stage which is only done to bare metal.  And since you mention that the part is textured (tiny bumps right?) you'll want to go much easier on the scratching stage too.  To help promote adhesion of the plastic primer, give it a very good washing with a pot scrubbing pad. Get a brand new one for this and use a very stong solution of dish detergent liquid and the hottest water you can put your hand in.  Go psycho during the rinsing part...you must leave no soap behind.  Use compressed air to quick dry the part if you have access to it... or good old fashioned sunshine will work too,  but we consider it low-tech.  

A question:  are there many other trim pieces on the truck that are black?  I'm just thinking here, but maybe you wanna match the finish type to them?  Are they deep gloss black?  Usually we see 85% eggshell type gloss,  which is why I suggested the SEM Trim Black... but SEM also makes a beautiful full gloss.

I'm not sure a regular auto supply store that would carry spark plugs and intake manifolds would carry this line.  Unless you're living very rural, I'd expect that in your area there are some auto body shops.  These shops will not sell you their supplies.  But they buy (daily) from Auto body suppliers which you CAN access.  Check the yellow pages under Auto body supply/supplies.  Give 'em a ring, ask questions.  Nearly everybody that works at the three suppliers we use is a former tradesperson from within our industry,  either painters themselves or bodymen.

Hope this is helping,  I love these little detail jobs that set our rides apart from the masses... we can have differentness within the sameness.