Alloy wheels + Metallic Tape = Aero Racing Disk
 

Hello -

Because I have alloys, snap-on racing disk wheel-covers are not an option for me. Here is my current OEM alloys :

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/175...er00ks9.th.jpg

Notice that the wheel has a very flat profile, the holes are "cut" into an already flat disk.

While wandering around the Pep-Boys for ideas, I noticed this :

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5...er01bp9.th.jpg

This gave me an idea. I cut patterns over my wheel, cut the tape using the patterns, cleaned the wheel with rubbing alcohol, and stuck it on my wheel :

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6...er02vx1.th.jpg

Benefits :

- 100% Reversible. Just peel it off.

- Since it's an alloy wheel, paint damage is a non-issue.

Problems :

- Easy to damage. I have to warn whoever is working on it because they could accidentally ruin it.

- Too shiny for my wheels. But I found this kind in the meantime :

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7...er03ph3.th.jpg

It is also better because it is wider.

- Not appropriate for all alloys. I think alloys that are very "flat" like mine are best. I think the tape needs to be applied to flat surfaces in order to be able to "span the gaps". Also, the gaps should not be too big. If the flat part of the alloy is too thin, I think the tape won't hold on very well.

- The exposed back part of the tape is still sticky. But, I am not too worried about that because I figure brake dust will coat it soon enough.

I only did one wheel to see if it would hold up and/or peel. No problems for the last 3 weeks.

CarloSW2

Your gonna get jokes about fake chrome wheels, but that is a neat idea.

Neat! But why not cover up all the holes (leaving the valve exposed)?

Where did you pick up that Metal-Mend tape? That looks like what I need for my rims..
They are steel, but have tons of holes that need covering up..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...locktail-1.jpg

Thanks,
Rich

Xringer -

The original tape I found was too narrow to cover the big hole easily, so I used that as an excuse to follow the "middle path". I don't worry about my brakes overheating, but I figured I would have an easy excuse if anyone asked me (Look, there are holes, now leave me alone!!!!!!). I also didn't want to put too much effort into it if the tape peeled off after only a few days.

Yup, I think they may work for you. You have more space to work with than me, except maybe where it curves into the wheel.

I found both kinds of tape at Pep-Boys/Kragen/AutoZone kinds of stores. I was just in different parts of the store each time. The non-shiny stuff is also cheaper, like $7. It would have been my first choice if I had seen it first.

CarloSW2

Looks very hybridesque ;)

Hello,

I like it! I think it is wise that you didn't cover all of the holes (at least until you try it for a while). It is quite likely that if you covered all of them, your brake temps would be higher, and you could see quicker brake wear.

neat idea! personally i'd cut some plastic covers for each hole so the tape has some backing, your could make a template by placeing a sheet of paper over the hole and press in against the edges of the hole so they make a fold in the paper (like you might have done as a kid with a pencil and a coin). you may and up with a few different templates depending on the different hole shapes.

what you might also considder if you care about looks is have custom vinyl stickers made

in a big O or C shape (to account for the curve) that cover the whole rim .

we've had some precut white promo window stickers made for out youth house and they wheren't all that expensive... so provided you can get a good price this could be worthwile (especially if you compare the cost & effectiveness with real moondiscs... if you make a few spare ones any damaged ones can be replaced) and perhaps for a little extra cash you could have something printed on them... i'm thinking: a spiral (spread ecomodding trough hypno techniques), logo's (spread ecomodding trough advertiseing), or fake spokes (deny your true nature) :p

Nice job. I like it too.

Got updates on this?

How are they staying on? Did you make them all the way around?
Did you eventually cover the other holes? Any mpg difference?

Mine are staying on. Kinda dirty and snow covered right now.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...r/CRV/foam.jpg
Of course my MPG goes to pot every time I use the roof racks.. :(