I have an '89 se with the brushed aluminum wheels (not polished like came on some of the later 3rd generations). In the last year or so, the finish on the center caps has started to peel. Does anyone know if there are aftermarket or even OEM caps still available? I'd like to keep the original wheels and covers if possible. Anyone have some for sale?

Thanks,
Brian

 

I think you mean silver painted caps? All the earlier SEs came with the slanted spoke type but were painted aluminum color. I think maybe the GXEs came with the brushed aluminum that was clear coated.

If you have the painted ones, I suppose you could repaint them if you got the right matching color

If you have the later SE aluminium clear coated versions, I suppose you could strip the clear off and reclear it.

 

Try the junkyard... I saw some the other day on a older SE. The one with the black trim between the tail lights. I could get 'em for ya and send 'em out @ cost. I'll have to see how much they want. Usually you can find a car @ a yard that has 'em on the wheels or in the car someplace. Hell, i'm using one meant for my 93 SE as a doily. Those things are a dime a dozen...

 

Aluminum colared paint, huh? Guess that makes sense since their peeling. I thought it was just some protective coating that was peeling off, but now I see that the caps are just aluminum painted plastic. Since matching the color and masking off the NISSAN lettering seems difficult, I think I will look for some at a junk yard. Since 2 of my 4 originals show no signs of peeling and the other 2 are really peeling badly, hopefully I can find 2 in pretty good shape.

Thanks for the help,
Brian

 

I have had success with a previous vehicle with a similar problem. I went to an automotive store and got a aerosol spraycan the right colour(color..hehe) and sprayed them. Later i used a real fine tip artist brush to paint the name with black enamel paint...requires a steady hand but looks real good when finished........my max has the plastic painted ones that have a very worn look, must get round to painting them.