Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: lowpad on September 10, 2021, 02:41:37

Title: Painted hubcaps
Post by: lowpad on September 10, 2021, 02:41:37

Does anyone have a source for painting hubcaps in the US?  I've tried them myself with the stencil, tape etc and I'm just not happy with the results.  I have a vendor that wants $150 per, which seems steep.  Anyone else farmed out theirs for painting?

Thanks,

Lowell

Title: Re: Painted hubcaps
Post by: GM on September 10, 2021, 04:13:25

I have no idea if these guys are any good, but it seems like it's all they do - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSZ9kR6KEAY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSZ9kR6KEAY)

Title: Re: Painted hubcaps
Post by: Jonny B on September 10, 2021, 15:18:45

Curious as to what was an issue with using tape for masking off the hubcap? I have done this several different times with good result.

Title: Re: Painted hubcaps
Post by: stickandrudderman on September 10, 2021, 17:16:42

The stencil is the "factory" way to do it.
Not only is it very quick, it gives a soft edge to the paint as against the hard edge of masking tape.

Title: Re: Painted hubcaps
Post by: mdsalemi on September 10, 2021, 17:41:29

Lowell,  I have had several sets of hubcaps painted without issue. The first set was done during the initial restoration with tape masking. Then I got together with another friend here and we did two sets together from a well-known body shop in Michigan who had no issue and doing them for about $50 each. Again all with masking tape.

The “official” masking stencil for North America is presently in Michigan and can be had to borrow if you like.

That gives the softer edge but nobody will notice unless the hubcap is off the car or they are on their hands and knees.

Title: Re: Painted hubcaps
Post by: lowpad on September 11, 2021, 13:58:06

Thanks, Michael.  Can you share the name of the body shop that you used?  I know that this is not exactly a tough job, but I'm unhappy with my own results and would like to find someone who do a better job!

Title: Re: Painted hubcaps
Post by: mdsalemi on September 11, 2021, 14:58:36

Lowell,

You can call Satish at Motorwerks Group: 1-248-668-6793. He's done a lot of work and painting on my car. They've done plenty of MB hubcaps. I think they only did one of mine however...
The place that originally did all my hubcaps was bought out, and is now Service King. 1-248-338-6000

I don't know what transpired with Service King bought the old place so I cannot speak to their current work; I do know they were certified on aluminum work etc. so they once knew what they were doing.

Honestly though, any good auto body/paint shop with a paint booth and a paint mix system should be able to help you. Where do the local Porsche, BMW and MB folks take their cars? Certainly not to MAACO. So, it's worth poking around the local car club sections (you can find all of this online) and start asking.

Have you called Automotive Restorations in Stratford? 100 Lupes Dr, Stratford, CT 06615.  Phone: +1 203 377 6745

Title: Re: Painted hubcaps
Post by: lowpad on September 12, 2021, 15:26:55

Thanks. I will check locally; I'm sure I can find someone.  And the color is straight black, so that's not an issue.

I'm very familiar with ARI -- but I'm also quite sure that I can't afford them!