Painted black steelies on BFGoodrich KO2 245/65/17

[Huntski51]

Looks great!

I can live without cruise control, but I can't live with the plain steelies. Based on this, seriously considering changing my carbonized gray hybrid XLT order to a barebones Hybrid XL.

Awkward: I don't have a garage and I street park (more reason to buy cheap!!!). So I have no space to safely jack up the truck and take the wheels off for painting. Would a shop be able to do that without charging an arm and a leg? I'd probably spring for powder coating. Or maybe just order a set of the black steelies someone linked.......

You can always paint the wheels while they are still on the car. I did this with my brothers rusted Mazda 3 wheels a few years back. Simply wash and wax your car beforehand in case any over spray sneaks out and then stick plastic grocery bags through the holes in the wheels to protect the brakes/calipers. Once the wheels are sanded and clean, you then mask off the tires, lug nuts, valve stem and as much of your car as you want and then have at it.

That's what I'm planning to do with my wheels when my hybrid eventually comes in.

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[Edogg1]

Directions on painting the XL steel wheels:

You want to pressure wash the rims first to get any debris off then sand it with 600-800 grit sandpaper and the factory silver color comes off very easy.

Then pressure wash again and wipe clean.

Let it dry then place index cards in-between the rim and tire to protect the tires from over spray.

Then just use a rim specific spray paint and put 3-4 coats of paint on.

how has the wear and tear been on this? any issues? its been 2 months now.

 

[tincanddg]

Directions on painting the XL steel wheels:

You want to pressure wash the rims first to get any debris off then sand it with 600-800 grit sandpaper and the factory silver color comes off very easy.

Then pressure wash again and wipe clean.

Let it dry then place index cards in-between the rim and tire to protect the tires from over spray.

Then just use a rim specific spray paint and put 3-4 coats of paint on.

is that stock height, or did you lift it first? trying to find out how big i can go without cutting wheel wells.

 

[ldkuffel]

how has the wear and tear been on this? any issues? its been 2 months now.

Been driving in salt and snow and still looks great.

 

[ldkuffel]

is that stock height, or did you lift it first? trying to find out how big i can go without cutting wheel wells.

This is stock height any bigger and the wheels will rub a little.

 

[Edogg1]

Been driving in salt and snow and still looks great.

Nice, the snow and salt was a worry living in NE. Nice job!

 

[WhiteMaverick12]

Directions on painting the XL steel wheels:

You want to pressure wash the rims first to get any debris off then sand it with 600-800 grit sandpaper and the factory silver color comes off very easy.

Then pressure wash again and wipe clean.

Let it dry then place index cards in-between the rim and tire to protect the tires from over spray.

Then just use a rim specific spray paint and put 3-4 coats of paint on.

What paint did you use? I'm so doing this.

 

[DrNickRiviera]

This is stock height any bigger and the wheels will rub a little.

I gotta say, I've been back and forth between the XLT FX4 and XL Hybrid. My XLT FX4 is coming in soon, but I think I'll order a Hybrid XL and do this. It just looks really good and I can live with a few MPG loss. Might go a little less aggressive on the tread, but it's a good look, and it'll save me a ton.

 

[CSmith]

Been driving in salt and snow and still looks great.

Looks fantastic! I see you kept the chrome lugs. Did you consider getting black ones? I'm not sure it would improve the look...

 

[thevol]

Dang it this looks good. About ready to change my color from carbonized to cactus. The wheel and tire combo look great although I may just order some black wheels with 245 tires on them and sell the oem set.

 

[kingfish822]

Glad to see another good looking xl!
Wish I could have powder coated mine. The At TKO2 really look great on the Mavericks.

 

[FordHybrid]

Looks great. Individual creativity and tastes are showing up and you guys are doing a great job of showing great tastes. I am loving what I am seeing.

 

[vertigo12369]

Have a link to those caps? I think I might do the same

Also interested in a link...

 

[RussellP IL]

god i love steelies, but not without a center cap. i put some on my wifes escape, for snow tires and didnt realize the manufacturer doesnt have center caps available. drives me nuts, and i cant find any to fit...

love the paint though!!

 

[Cruzer01]

Did mine nearly the same... Just need to touch up where some painted came off on the edge during install and paint the wheel weights also....was conflicted about white lettering out or not but glad I choose to show the white... Led smoke third brake light bed liner and cover and I'm done

Great job with both the paint, tires, and white letters out!

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