Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

[Troy P.]

Unfortunately, my early '63 fuelie (#1946, built Oct 19, 1962) falls into the realm of having wheel covers partially painted silver. I do most all of my restoration, but this looks rather tricky. Anyone have secrets to pass on? I'm all ears.

The inner paint margin toward the center is pretty evident in photos of unrestored wheel covers. But where exactly does the outer paint edge stop? A good photo would be helpful.

How to mask properly given that the masking needs to be a perfect circle?

How should the stainless steel be prepared to accept and hold paint?

What is the best paint to use to match the original color and sheen?

[Todd L.]

Re: Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

Hey Troy, I have #1955 also built Oct 19th '63! So cool that these cars were 9 apart on the assembly line. I have the original "frosted" wheel covers, I will get to the shop tomorrow and take some pictures for you for reference, if that would help.

Todd

[Troy P.]

Re: Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

Thank you. Your photos should answer the first question.

[Todd L.]

Re: Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

Troy,

Attached are pictures of one of my wheel covers. It's a little dirty, but should show you what you need.

Todd

[Troy P.]

Re: Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

Troy,

Attached are pictures of one of my wheel covers. It's a little dirty, but should show you what you need.

Todd

Helpful to see paint margins. Thank you.

Hopefully others can answer my other questions.

[Frank D.]

Re: Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

As far as the "perfect circle" Its been a while since I've had my frosted caps out but I think the satiny part stops at the rim edge of the platter ? Right ? If so maybe you could get some flexible door edge guard (wide enough) or some flexible home insutlation gray foam for pipes and wrap it around the rim as a paint mask - just a bit of cerebral flatulence on my part but maybe worth a try ?

https://www.amazon.com/QBUC-Guards-Rubber-Protection-Models/dp/B07W6T7M4C/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?keywords=door+edge+guards&qid=1640271899&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExU1NWRkpTR0wwU0ZUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTUxODYwMzlHWlJSM0xXTkNDVyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODA1NzczTUJWSU5KMklERVFBJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[Troy P.]

Re: Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

I'm guessing some sort of pinstriping tape may be needed to form the fine circle edge. Still doesn't look easy to get it perfect...unless I find a pro. Then wider tape and paper to mask the rest of the area.

Still no idea on how to prep polished stainless to hold paint or what paint to use to give the frosted look and the correct color. No need to bother painting then find its not correct.

[Troy P.]

Re: Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

I gather those that have actually painted these frosted wheels no longer participate in the Discussion Board. Or maybe the secrets are not to be revealed?

I guess the other option is to not paint them. What would be the deduct for not having frosted wheel covers on a 63 before number 2500?

[James G.]

Re: Secrets to painting early 63 wheelcovers

On stainless or chrome I typically will tape the part up with a plastic striping tape then go back to near covering the striping tape with heavier masking tape then I will lightly blast the part to give it something to adhere to.

IMHO the painted inner circle does not appear to be PERFECTLY in the recess, it appears to be offset to the right side of the cap - the checkered flag side, indicating a circle shaped mask which one could guess was RARELY perfectly centered.