I Picked here

[Fast Eddie]

I was looking for the right place to ask this. I may have found it. If not, please point me in the right direction. And not like that.

It's an `04 Ranger Edge with the skins (aka imposters)

Does anyone know how to achieve a smoked look over plastic chrome? New wheel skins and resto'd center caps. Caught this under the light tonight. Thought it a good look on a gun metal colored truck.

Any ideas are good ones.

 

[Dirtman]

There is a translucent metallic paint made to go over chrome to give that effect. I can't remember the brand at the moment. I did it once (blue finish over chrome) and it came out really nice.

 

[RonD]

Get dual exhaust and pipe it out in front of the rear wheels

Brake pad dust takes care of the front wheels, use cheaper pads for quicker effect...................

 

[Fast Eddie]

There is a translucent metallic paint made to go over chrome to give that effect. I can't remember the brand at the moment. I did it once (blue finish over chrome) and it came out really nice.

Thanks. If it comes to you, let me know. Was also considering paying the designers homage and leaving it alone (aka stock).

 

[Fast Eddie]

I ordered some translucent paint from Summit and decided I wouldn't go that route with the wheel covers. I'll leave them stock and look for a way to protect them. I think smoking out the center cap recesses could add a nice subtle difference. I'm thinking about painting the outside ring and Ford logo with Ford blue or a gun metal gray to match the truck.

How should I prep the surface to accept and hold paint after the resto using McGuire's Cleaner Wax?

 

[Curious Hound]

Paint won't want to stick to wax.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Reason for the question. What's the best way to prep the surface for what I'd like to accomplish?

 

[Dirtman]

Need to throughly remove the wax. They sell products for this at the parts store but any good degreaser should work, then a good rinse and finally clean with a lint free rag and rubbing alcohol.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Back to the old days, dawn dishwashing liquid and rubbing alcohol. Got it. Thanks again.