I have a 1996 GLE in Pebble beige. I like the SE rims that I have on it now, but want to redo the "Maxima" lettering and the front hamburger in a gunmetal finish, plus remove the gold pinstripe on the side of the car and replace it with a dark grey one (I like the pinstripe look, just not in this color). This has got me thinking about my rims and what I want to do with them. Here is my car:

Those, obvviously, are not the rims that I have on there now. See my sig if you do not know what the SE rims look like (ignore the shaving cream).

I am thinking about painting my 1998 SE rims Gunmetal. I also have been considering selling the SE rims and buying some new rims in a gunmetal finish. I really like the OZ F1 Cups, and Motegi Racing makes a style called the MR12 that is very similar, plus it comes in the gunmetal finish. Here is a pic of them. The large wheel is the gunmetal finish.


Here are my thoughts:
If I sell the SE rims, I have no Nissan rims to put on it when I go to sell it. Counterpoint: I will probably have the car for a while.

Painting the rims, if I do it myself, will be cheaper than buying new ones. Counterpoints: Painting the rims means no driving the car while I paint them. Also, I will have to have the tires re-balanced, b/c I will have to remove the wheelweights to paint them fully. Also, I am not sure how durable the paint job will be, even if done properly. It may last, it may not.

I will have to either pony up the dough for the new rims out of pocket, THEN sell the SE rims, or will have to find someone who is willing to pay and wait while the rims come in. This could be 2 weeks. Counterpoint: This happens all of the time on the Org.

I can get the MR12s for a good price. With the mounting kit and installation, I can be on new rims for around $400. I figure I can get close to $300 for the SE rims. The difference is definately feasible, especially with the impending sale of my PR CAI.

I REALLY like the MR12s. I like my SE rims. But I do not know what EITHER will look like on my car. Well, I know what the SE rims look like, but do not know how they will look in gunmetal. I have no idea what the MR12s will look like. Anyone want to PhotoShop for me???

What do you guys think I should do?

 

Paint your SE rims in Gunmetal...

 

I voted to paint them.
If i were you i'd try painting them first b/c it would be way cheaper. And hell if it dont last then go buy you some.

 

I tried my cusins set of 17x7.5 Gunmetal MR12 on my beige max, and they looked awsome! I also removed all of the chrome of my Maxima, and plated it black chrome instead.

 

Do you mind if I borrow your sig pic to hacve someone Photoshop those rims gunmetal to see what they will look like on my 96?
Also, I would be running 16" MR12s, but it will be just about the same effect. Thanks for the input!

 

i think you should get new rims.. its easier to get rims that are already gunmetal than to paint them.. if you mess up the rims you start at scratch.. tell us the truth, the shaving cream left lines on your wheels and thats why you want to paint them

 

Go ahead and use it. Post the pic when you are finished chopping it.

I have a bigger one if you need it.