Any such thing as cool turbines?

jrichker said:

Anyone up to photoshoping some turbines with paint between the spokes and polished tops to the spokes? What would look best, black or paint that matches to car body?

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I've actually been thinking that could look good in addition to a polished lip... I'm just trying to figure out if it'd be best to try and mask off the top of the spokes, or just sand them down afterward. I'm thinking some careful sanding. If you were to mask them you'd probably have to use the 'Vasoline method', and if you get so much as a dot of that stuff where you want the paint to stick... well you won't be too happy.

I'll probably paint mine a darker metallic color. DupliColor sells a Graphite (dark gunmetal) wheel paint that might look good, but I'm trying to find something just a little bit lighter.

Well, there goes my secret plan to have the pimpest turbines in the world. Nobody better copy me until I get around to doing it and posting pics first!

webshot said:

Oh wait I get it now......that polish the tops sounds sweet. Since my car is white, white in between may look sweet. Maybe polishing the lip too. hhhmmmmmmmm......I wonder.

I would still like to know the process for polishing turbines. ANd maybe a paint recommendation. I would like a white powder style coat.

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DupliColor makes a white wheel paint. I used their Graphite stuff on my old Blazer's steel wheels, and it came out very nice. Since the turbines are cast and somewhat textured, you may want to put down a couple coats of quality primer if you go with white...

jrichker said:

Anyone up to photoshoping some turbines with paint between the spokes and polished tops to the spokes? What would look best, black or paint that matches to car body?

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No need to photoshop this. Ford, or I should say Mercury, sold XR7 Cougars with painted Turbines in '88.

Sorry about the bad photo (it's the only one that I have on hand from the side) I am pretty happy with the look of Turbines the way they came from Ford.

webshot said:

note to self: get a boot for your convertible.

Dunno, something about the turbines just dont look cool as is. I may get the ballz enough to try the above mentioned techniques. thanks for the pic tho. Is that a 60 series tire? looks humongous

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Yeah, they are 225/60/R15 Bridgestone Potenza G009's. They are a great tire for my car. I get no tire noise at speed or on the highway. and can still rip up the corners with the car (my favorite past time) until the convertible body starts to twist and flex and then untimately plows really bad and I have to lift.

webshot said:

Dunno, something about the turbines just dont look cool as is. I may get the ballz enough to try the above mentioned techniques. thanks for the pic tho. Is that a 60 series tire? looks humongous

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Like I said, I think the centercaps are the main problem. I really think turbines look a lot 'meaner' without them somehow. The big plastic caps just look kind of goofy to me I guess.

You brought up something I forgot to mention.... I think a 60 series tire is also part of the problem, as the sidewalls look pretty huge. I know the 60 series is the 'correct' stock size, but my car came with 225/50R15's on it and I think the shorter sidewall looks MUCH better. Yes, you see a larger fender gap, but I'd honestly rather have that than tall sidewalls. A 225/50 is a good deal shorter than a 225/60, but not rubberband skinny as many seem to think. Plus, there is the performance benefit of lower effective gearing, and less sidewall flex, which tightens up handling a bit. I might catch some flak for this, but I'll be buying new tires soon and I am definately sticking with 225/50's.