)
My Max should be getting a new tranny very soon so I decided to finally get off my *** and start bringing it back to splendor. Since after the new tranny and buying the new struts I'll be broke (Good excuse to install the struts myself!!!), new 17' wheels are out of the question. So i decided to polish the hell out of the stock rims. I removed the clear coat because it was already peeling off and stared polishing. (I am not nearly done but it was getting dark outside). So here are a couple of questions:
I really like how the wheels look without the wheel cover. Will driving without it affect my wheels in any way? Rust, freezing the nuts, etc? Anyone drives like that all year long?
Also, has anyone tried to respray the stock wheels with a gun metal style finish? I just thought it would look nice.
Here's a couple of pics (remember: NOT done yet!! )

Before:


After:

 

one more question: I am about to purchase the new struts: (Sorry Brian but KYB's for $49 each... too good to let go!). I have to buy new springs unless I want to use the old rusty ones right? The struts dont come with their own boot and springs. Eibach sounds good at this point but has anyone ever tried the B&G? How were they?

 

This might answer your question.

https://maxima.org/forums/4th-generation-maxima-1995-1999/290428-new-paint-job-where-how-much.html

 

Thanks for that one. So are there any consequences from running without the wheel covers. Also, does anyone have an answer about the suspension?

 

I run my snow tires on steel wheels without any kind of covers on them in the winter. This has been done for at least three winters, with no apparent ill effects to the Maxima. I will add that here in Oregon, the highway department does not use any salt on the roads, so I am not sure about that one.