All about the wheels….
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Aside from the brake dust I have always hated the fact that my car is Pitch Black with Black Striping and Black Rims, but Doge then decided to put Chrome lugs and a chrome center cap. Additionally the Wheel wells were stained gray with white spots and the rotor hats were painted a light gray and they rusted before I even picked the car up from the dealer.
LUG NUTS
Before I had a chance to research the correct black lugs (that did not chip!) I found these caps to use temporarily for a show and have had them on for over 5000 miles now. I now feel there is no need to change to a black Lug. You can grab 100 of them for $7.28. Which you now have a few extra sets to share with other Challenger owners. (note: other sizes are available! if you don’t have a 22MM lug)
These fit the stock Challenger 20″ 22MM OD wheel lugs > McMaster Carr Vinyl Caps
CENTER CAPS
The Chrome center cap stood out like a beacon that could be seen from space. I found these Black 2.5″ center caps on Aliexpress for about $2.50.
aliexpress.com 2.5″ Chrome black Dodge Caps
RUST
- 100 Grit Sand paper
- 1 can of break cleaner
- 1 can of high heat Engine paint.
Sand and put on about 6 coats (4 light and 2 heavy) Next time I have the wheels off I will go with a darker satin black, the flat black doesn’t match as well as expected.
Wheel Wells
This blew me away!!! I did my usual wash of the wheel wells then did 1 application of Chemical Guys Bare Bones (1/4 bottle @ $11.00). All 4 wells went to a beautiful dark satin black and were not greasy and did not collect dirt when I drove out to a backwoods dirty area of PA for a show the following day.
WHEELS
The wheels are awesome, but they get a lot of brake dust so I am giving Chemical Guys Jet Seal a chance to see if the dust comes off easier. I’ll post my results if anyone is interested…. Thanks for listening and I hope I helped someone else on a budget enjoy their car a little more.!