[Jeff Kleb]

I have a 2002 GXE with the "Synergy Package" -- and it came with 15" five-spoke Nissan alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot radial tires that have about 80 percent of the tread remaining. I have owned it since new and had the whole car repainted (factory Molten Silver color) last year. I also had new struts installed, the head gasket replaced and cylinder head surface machined -- along with a new water pump, new spark plugs and had all the belts & hoses replaced. Yes, I spent more on the car than it is worth......but it has been good to me and I plan to hand it down to my son next year when he begins driving.

This car looks fantastic, except for the rims. Eleven years have taken a toll on them. They are in good condition - no nicks, cuts or chipping; but the finish just looks dull and I cannot seem to keep the brake dust from ruining the appearance of them five minutes after I wash the car. I have tried every kind of cleaner you can imagine. A friend of mine recommended powdercoating. I have also considered doing them in flat black with Krylon spray paint (the cheap way).

How much does powdercoating cost? Does it really look great? Can it be done in different colors or is the OEM grey/silver color best? Is it better to just put up with it looking cruddy or buying aftermarket rims for the car?

Thanks!!

 

[i68k]

yes, powdercoating can be done in different colors, last time i powdercoated, anything but black was a small extra charge tho, im guessing the paint itself cost more...?

heres a how-to, that is done well, and wont break the bank:
http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=1356908

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Thanks for the info. That sounds like a hell of a lot of work. How much would a decent shop charge for doing it? Would I be better off just using some Krylon spray paint instead? Would flat (matte) black work? I saw an SE-R with black wheels and I thought it looked good.

I gotta do something, though.

 

[i68k]

i mean, you can improvise a little, like you may not need so many coats for flat black, you also wont wet sand it so much. so just practice before you actually paint your rims. i would assume the kids can help you on this one, just watch out for the paint stripper. your imagination is your limit. certainly, i would find an appropriate paint, one that can weather appropriately, and adhere to the rims. youll want a good paint and primer, if you use a cheap, or wrong paints they will chip or flake off very easily. so make sure its automotive, or even caliper/exhaust paint will work. you can also tape off the tire, so you dont have to dismount the tire.

EDIT: im sure a shop will charge at least a couple hundred to paint all four rims.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Yeah, if I could get all four done for about $200.00 or so, I think I'd be all over it. My time is just stretched too thin right now, so that might be the way to go.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[B15newyork]

What's this Synergy Package, tell me more.

 

[i68k]

synergy is the sport package, like alloy wheels, fogs, wing, etc. im not sure of all the components tho.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

Synergy Package


As far as I know, 2002 was the only year that it was offered......and it included:

1. 15" alloy wheels with 195/60-15 tires - in lieu of the cheaper 14" steelies, 185/70-14 (I think) with cheap plastic hubcaps.

2. Cruise control.

3. Rear deck spoiler.

4. Fog lamps.

5. Upgraded stereo system.

6. Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Not sure what else it contained, but it was a relative bargain for what it included.