The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Painting wheels with tires mounted ?

Can you give me some tips on painting my wheels with the tires mounted. Wheels are not on the truck. '54 3100 stock 16".

I know that I should remove the tires, sandblast, etc. etc., but I must start and complete the job this weekend so that the wheels can be mounted on the truck early Mon morning. And I must be ready for a show in two weeks.

I'm changing the color from a blue-green that doesn't match the truck to standard factory black. Probably semi-gloss. The paint on the truck is over 10yrs old, so "knock-your-eyes-out-hi-gloss" will probably not look right. The old paint on the wheels is in good condition. Only a couple of chips with some rust.

#1 objective is to look good.
#2 objective is to not flake off in a few months. Note - I drive the truck less than 500 miles a year. Always garaged.

QUESTIONS:

1) Pros-Cons on rattle can vs. 2K?

2) Any recommendations on rattle-can paint?

3) Any recommendations for semi-gloss 2K paint? I'm no painter, but I have shot 2K on small parts with OK results. I have reducer and catalyst, so the cost will probably be about the same as six or eight rattle cans.

4) Suggestions for prep? What's best to scuff up the old paint? Can I grind the rust spots to bare metal, then brush on some epoxy primer? Or should I brush on Ospho, then regular primer?

As you can see, I'm flyin' blind and on a tight schedule. Thanks for any help or suggestions that you can give me.