Black/charcoal Elise and Exige Wheels

[Paul C]

I really like black wheels ok, am thinking of getting mine refurbed...

Two things bugging me from getting it done. One is that i think silver actually

works well on a silver car, the other is that it seems every other Exige/Elise

has either got them, or had theirs done and keeping them as-is might actually

look better because of this.

I DO like the idea of not having to clean them as much, and matt black does

appeal, and it's down to personal choice, but i can't stop thinking...

...has it not just been a bit over done?

[martynv]

I've got to get mine refurbed as well they're in a shocking state especially the rear ones. I was also thinking of going down the black route as I think it might make the car look a bit meaner maybe. The trouble is the wheels are so open everything is on show so the lighter the colour the more obvious the dirt / rusty brake discs, calipers etc are going to look. I take you point though about many elises / exiges having black wheels, but this does seem mainly to be the S2's though.

I was looking at these guys since they do an exchange service. They do a "Black Sparkle" finish but it's difficult to tell from the website quite what this looks like.

Martyn

[arbell9]

Do it, you know it makes sense.

I got all 4 wheels blasted and powder coated for

[red vtec]

I have black wheels did em myself with some sandpaper and 4 cans of gloss black from the pound shop!! and a few coats of lacquer.

Black is the future..... come to the Dark side

Here is Mine:

And here is the look I'm going for:

So I may go for a very dark silver for the wheels in the future.

Edited April 1, 2009 by red vtec

[rocket63]

Black is the new Black!

Go for what you like Paul. Forget any Lemming traight. Its your choice fella

Edited April 1, 2009 by rocket63

[bingoking]

I agree that silver wheels on a silver car looks good and I wouldn't alter the colour or style of wheels on my Esprit 'cos I think they are really smart.

With bold bright "Smartie" colours (Burnt Orange, Solar Yellow, Isoptope Green, etc.) I think black wheels look good if the rest of the car has all no silver alloy bits.

I also think a White car would look good with black wheels.

On my Elise I specified black wheels, and black rear undertray. I also bought a black filler cap surround and replaced the standard silver alloy one on the car so that the black contrasted with the yellow.

At the end of the day, obviously the choice is yours, so go with your heart.

Regards,

Brian

[Iconic Ride]

I think you nailed it, Brian. Silver car = silver wheels. One of my cars is just such a combination, and I wouldn't have it any other way, especially when the final clearcoat produces a "satin" effect.

And as you say, black wheels work best with "in your face" colours.

So, Paul, it looks like a respray might be in your future if you go with the black rollers. B)

[Rob]

I don't agree that silver wheels look best on a silver car - personally I like a contrast. On my V8 i'd changed the saturns to a gunmetal colour when they were refurb'd. My Elise came from the factory with black wheels - looks great IMO.

If you change your mind its no biggie to change them back

[matk]

Can't help thinking what happens when you curb one?

[Kimbers]

Totally Agree. Black with a light coloured car is definately the way to go.

[Laura]

I really like black wheels

That's all that really matters, no?

[Paul C]

That's all that really matters, no?

No.

Have decided to stay with silver. Everyone has black now.

I'm special.

[bingoking]

Can't help thinking what happens when you curb one?

then

Need i say more ?

[Advantage]

It's the same as if you ding a silver wheel, you just leave a bit of black paint behind rather than silver.

If you don't want black wheels, which sometimes don't work on a silver car, how about white - or red - or blue ?

Charcoal spokes with a silver outer rim. Charcoal wheel with a silver outer pinstripe.

Silver spokes with charcoal outer rim.... maybe not that one. But there's more to mull over rather than just 'black'.

[matk]

I was thinking more about the silver bits showing after a curbing on the wheel, more than what you leave behind.

[Kimbers]

Strangely enough mine show white through after stone chips/kerbing (only one chip at present).

[mangel]

I have black rim with graphite centres!!