zaccor

I have a 04 GX. Noticed the paint is chipping off the rims on every wheel. What's my best option here? Yes buying new rims but is paint an option? Is it worth the hassle?

Rz500

Unfortunately anything that you do will only be a short term solution. I sandblasted and refinished mine but it didn't take long for the finish to start failing again. It's a known issue with these trucks and had been discussed here many times.

zaccor

So basically new rims is the answer. Seems to be a million different websites with wheels and tires. Did you get OEM parts or something completely new?

Rz500

I just continue to repaint them when they start looking rough. It's an easy job and I do it a couple times a year. My wheels are black so I don't even bother taking them off now.

GRAYM

I thought my wheels are bad...wow just replace them the cost of new wheels is the same as refinishing them and it won't last.

kamlung

iTrader: (8)

see if you can find a local powdercoater... with proper sandblasting of the old finish and proper preparation, i've had great luck with that option for refinishing wheels...

i have a great guy in NJ but shipping both ways might kill the deal for you...

Rz500

Even after sandblasting and powdercoating the wheels will to continue corrode under the finish. In less than a year the powder coat will start to flake off like the original finish. Best option is paint or replace the wheels.

kamlung

iTrader: (8)

that's strange, i've never had that issue...

the wheels on my MR2 looked like that with the bubbling paint, corrosion and lifting... the PC has held in tact for over 2 yrs now...

did the GX have special aluminium wheels?

zaccor

RZ500, yours look really good. I like the black color and would like black on mine as well. What paint did you use? What is your process? If it's not too intense I'd be willing to try. And you say every couple years you re-apply?

NTH

Wheel paint bubbling/blistering is a known problem with all Toyota vehicles, not just the GX.

Rz500

I had my wheels sandblasted. Then primed and used semi gloss black dupli color high build fleet paint. I'm located in southern ontario so my wheels are subjected to harsh winters and lots of salt. That's why I paint mine a couple times a year. If your in a wam climate you will definitely see better results than me.

You could certainly give powder coat a try. It will fail though at some point and the only solution then is to sandblast and powder coat again. This process will get expensive fast as you will be paying to remove and reinstall tires each time. With paint though you can touch them up on the truck with a $10.00 can of spray paint.

The biggest challenge to the job is coordinating time with your mechanic and sandblaster. I did my wheels at the same time as my suspension mods and new tires. My truck was sitting on a hoist for a day and a half anyways so it was not difficult for me to get the wheels done. Otherwise you need a spare set of wheels or your truck will be sitting on blocks till the job is complete.

zaccor

Thanks for the info. Is pressure washing an appropriate alternative for sandblasting? I have a pressure washer at home.

Did you also use a spray primer as well? What's the drying time for a project like this?

470SNC

you can use super fine grit sandpaper and wet sand the wheels manually, and then use duplicolor self etching primer and duplicolor wheel paint, ive had good results with that method

GreatHim

i just took my stock wheels and had them sandblasted(mediablasted) and then used selfetching primer, then a primer filler, and then a primer sealer, then the color then clear coat over that. fallowing the instructions on the can and using the same brand of paint for all coats you should be golden, but just to note this will cost a good deal. i got a good deal with all 5 of my wheels being blasted for $100 and then i spent about $150-200 in paint supplys. so im at about $300 for my wheels, but its still cheaper than buying a new set of wheels. -fyi you will need to either leave the vehicle sit for a couple weeks on blocks or have a second set of tires and wheels like i did. but the results are worth it. take your time and dont rush it