Wheel Covers for 14" Alloy Rims?

[ctgriffi]

I know this sounds pretty dumb, but is there any way I could put a set of wheel covers on my factory alloy wheels? I really don't want to buy a new set of wheels for my '94, but I just can't get the original alloy rims to look like much anymore. Nothing seems to make a dent in the numerous black/grey stains on 'em.

I'd like to just put a nice wheel cover over the issue - quick and easy - and forget about it. Will this work? Do wheel covers only fit onto generic steel wheels?

If not, I guess I'm looking at painting these alloys black. In that scenario, I've also got to figure out what to do about the center-caps, which are looking pretty cracked and crappy, too.

Suggestions?

 

[buffster1980]

before you paint them, make sure you mask off the tire, or remove the tire from the rim... and primer them first... if you can, get them sand blasted to get all the old paint off. remember, a paint job is only as good as your prep work. don't do hubcaps! please! look around on craigslist too, you might just happen to find some good used rims. (even stock ones) i know when i eventually do swap out my stock rims for some nice ones, i'm gonna keep my stocks for winter tires, but not all people do this. a lot of people when they get new rims, either sell their stock ones, or just throw them away... if you live near an auto customization shop, or a tire shop, see if they have any deals, you know? just food for thought...

 

[ctgriffi]

Appreciate the advice, Buffster! Thanks for the suggestions.

But, I guess my real questions is...as a last resort, if I did try to use wheel-covers/hubcaps, will they fit (and stay) on a pair of 14" factory-alloy rims?

Before I go that route, though, I think I'm going to a good round of metal polish and buffing; maybe that'll get these old wheels into passable condition.

 

[ctgriffi]

Just to follow-up...I ended up buying a bottle of "Meguiars Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner" and used the entire thing, along with a stiff brush and about 1.5 hours of scrubbing. My rims don't look perfect but they're passable now - especially for being 17 years old!

I finished up by mounting new center caps all the way round, and I'm satisfied with the results. (Caps came from "Hupcap Kingdom," a seller I found on eBay.)