Detailing Rally Wheels

[MrBuick]

I need some idea to detail these wheels for a 67 Corvette Roadster build. I've tried using a Sharpie pen on the 5 "slots" but it didn't cover the plating well. I am thinking maybe a black wash is the answer, but I've never used it and wanted some opinions before I try to find some. I've included a 1:1 photo for reference. Thanks in advance.

 

[astroracer]

A black wash will work well for the slots. Mix flat black about 25% with thinner and then just put a drop in the slot. It will flow out to fill it. May take a couple tries to get the color dark enough.

If you are doing a stock build the actual wheel itself should be "Argent" colored. The stock rally's were never chromed. Testors regular silver paint is a good one to replicate that color.

Mark

Edited February 15, 2016 by astroracer

[Snake45]

What Astro said, though I find Testor Aluminum or Steel or even one of their flat light grays to give a better appearance of Argent than their Chrome Silver. Pactra Flat Aluminum used to be great for this, but sadly that paint has been gone for 20 years or more.

Also, very early '67 Rally Wheels might have been delivered in semigloss black. And they're shown that way in all the '67 showroom literature, too. I do 'em in black once in a while just to change things up.

[espo]

Another thought on the slots. Look on the back side of the wheel. Sometimes the area behind the slots is very thin and can be easily sanded until the slots are actually open. If painting the slots I have used just Tamiya Flat Black that is fresh and not been used for a time as it will become thicker after being used for any extended period of time. The "chrome"  from the kit does not seem to hold paint well.  The black paint can be cleaned up with either a flat tooth pick or a pointed Q-Tip. Then paint your Argent wheel with what ever silver you use with a very fine brush. Remember if the surface still has the chrome finish it may take a couple of light coat of paint to get the finish you want.  

[MrBuick]

I've tried trimming out the slots on a junk wheel...I either lack the skill or the necessary tools to do it cleanly. However, do you guys think I'd be better off de-chroming the wheels, then laying down my silver and black, then doing the chrome detail with chrome paint (the name escapes me at the moment...the Chrome spray can that everyone's always referencing around here)?

[Snake45]

I've tried trimming out the slots on a junk wheel...I either lack the skill or the necessary tools to do it cleanly. However, do you guys think I'd be better off de-chroming the wheels, then laying down my silver and black, then doing the chrome detail with chrome paint (the name escapes me at the moment...the Chrome spray can that everyone's always referencing around here)?

No.

[espo]

1. I've tried trimming out the slots on a junk wheel...I either lack the skill or the necessary tools to do it cleanly. However, do you guys think I'd be better off de-chroming the wheels, then laying down my silver and black, then doing the chrome detail with chrome paint (the name escapes me at the moment...the Chrome spray can that everyone's always referencing around here)?

   That is one way of doing it ,but very labor intensive and only Bare-Metal Foil would look right on the trim rings. Having tried to foil something like a wheel trim ring before,  you might want to try something else.

[Ken Kitchen]

Try Tamiya Smoke. It works very well as a black wash. it flows smoothly and levels well. Plus it's acrylic and can be cleaned up with water.

[MrBuick]

Cool, thanks again for the help guys. I'm gonna try just doing the silver and a black wash over it. Fortunately I've got a junk wheel that I can test with.

[Monty]

One other item:  do a light wash of black paint on the fluted part of the center cap.  Small detail, but it can make a big difference.

[Scalper]

Here's some I did from the revell 69 Camaro. Used tamiya flat aluminum 

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz150/Scalper74/DSC00211.jpg" 

sorry having problems with photobucket.not letting me post the pic directly. 

Edited February 23, 2016 by Scalper

[MrBuick]

Thanks for the tips guys! I'm gonna do one more pass with the wash to fill in the slots a little better, and I think they should be done.

Edited March 5, 2016 by MrBuick