So I pulled the trigger on a JDM vintage set of new-to-me SSR Vienna EV wheels: 17x8.0 +37.
BTW, it's my daily family driver and I want to be able to rotate tires so give me a break on not going more agressive. Will add a 10 or 15mm spacer in the back to get stance right. And thanks for the input, cionide.



I have to give Jack at VR Motoring a thumbs up here because, even though his packaging could be a little more robust, he cut me a very nice discount, shipped promptly and his product arrived as advertised. Lips are 2", polished and absolutely immaculate and factory-welded to the barrels so I won't ever have to mess with leaking/resealing. All the hardware is complete and in really nice shape, but I'll get the internal TPMS adaptor valve stems.

The only thing is two of the discs have some chipped paint abrasions and a little bubbling starting around one stud hole, so I want to get a local custom wheel shop to refurbish them.
What's the best way to strip/blast the OEM silver paint?
What should I expect in the way of powder-coat charges?
Going onto a 2012 SCM box with TRD suspension, should I redo them in the same color and/or maybe get the bolts black-chromed for a little more contrast?
Also, my current purchased-used TRD wheels need a clear-coat redo; thinking about completely stripping/polishing them or repainting for re-re-sale.
Let me know what you think.

 

When it comes to things like this, it's all up to you. I think the original color looks great. Maybe something slightly darker and higher metallic, but that's it. I wouldn't black chrome the hardware, I think gold looks much classier. Plus, you can get powder to look similar to gold. As far as paint stripping, I'm sure it will be a chemical process but it may involve soda blasting. I doubt blasting will be involved due to the polished lips. Depending on your area, color chosen, and the coater themselves, expect to pay up to $400 powder.
Good luck with this. These are some nice wheels!

 

if they are in that well of a condition little bubble's and abbrasions wouldnt even bother me, unless the wheel looks really bad then i would restore them but with what you described i would leave it as is, im one who likes as much originality as possible.

 

i kinda agree with kingshawty. if you're going to spend that much to powder coat them the same color then just wait until its really noticeable to refurbish the wheels. but thats just my opinion

 

Actually I today found a local job shop that some racing buddies use that'll strip, prep, metallic powder and clear coat all four discs for $160, since the lips + barrels are great as is. Yes, the local Wheel Workz wanted $150/ea for paint only - - pass! That'll keep me under $250 per wheel for as new and zee German engineer in me vill be vehry vehry heppy. Might go a hair darker silver to contrast the lips and bolts.

I'll figure out the TRDs when their off and/or up for sale.

 

Darker and black wheel lugz would look sweet! Had mine 19' Konigs completed sand blasted, fixed, and poweder coated here in denver for 75 a wheel. Good luck buddy!!