I swapped out my OEM (yes 1988) suspension on my low mileage AE for an AGX/Eibach pro-kit setup. I decided I wanted a different look so I painted my wheels semi gloss black. I think it turned out great.

I used duplicolor lacquer semi gloss black. I then hit it with a dusting of gloss clear from about 18 inches away while the semi gloss was still wet. I figured it would make the finish a little more durable.

To prep the wheels I just hit it with the redish brown scuff pad (similar to scotch brite) and then lacquer thinner to clean and soften the original finish a little bit before the new paint.


Here is the before



After (sorry it was raining)

 

Turned out great!

 

You owe us a picture that actually shows the work you're so proud of.

 

I liked it before!..(sorry!)

 

Yep, before looked more mature. Black wheels are pretty "boy racer" looking.

 

Sorry, it's been total crap rain around here. When it clears up I'll grab a better pic.

I think when people see a 30 year old program manager driving it, it will look plenty mature LOL

What I like about the black, especially on a 10AE is it keeps the monochromatic color scheme going where the silver diverged from that. I've had the speedforms on the car for about 10 years now, so to me the look was getting long in the tooth.

 

don't hate me if i say the before looks way better =(

 

fixed

 

I think they look sweet. Nice job, but you owe us better pics damnit!

 

+1

The brushed aluminum simply blended better with the rest of the car.

 

Uh, when I look at your "after", why does the song Ebony and Ivory come to mind?

Uh, going for the piano key theme?

Uh.................

 

I liked the look from the mustang RTR I saw in white at the dream cruise. Here is the inspiration shot.



Here are more pictures but it is still hard to get the lighting right with a point and shoot. I think the back 1/4 shot which was shaded by a tree is the best representation. The up close wheel shot is really how they look in person.

 

I think one step up in diameter would look a little better, but it looks ok, maybe with a little bit of a drop it will pull it all together

 

Yeah but here in Detroit I fear going with shorter sidewalls.

 

always a trade off, shorter sidewalls, lower ride height- all makes for paying more attention when you drive

I came down another 1/2" in the front of my car and have yet to drive it since but I know its going to be a issue at home and in gas stations I was already having a problem with

 

I think it looks better. Lowering would help the look a lot, but those of us living in metro areas with crappy roads just can't go much lower than stock. Simply not an option unless you hate your car.

 

THAT would definitely be inspiration food, no doubt. But the whole car is a balance of white and black, so the black wheels fit into that balance. Are you planning on doing some additional body painting to bring a similar kind of balance?

 

Looks better now. Wheels look less dated and the fact that they have no lip is not emphasized like it was before. The only thing it needs is a drop and you'll be golden.

 

LOL it is dropped on eibachs though. Maybe I should hack a 1/4 coil for another .25-.5 inch

Black chin spoiler and the tails is about it for now. I was thinking about the shine rear diffuser