So I just managed to pick myself up a set of SR5 aluminum alloy wheels for my 93. They are the optional alloy's (quadruple/double spoke if that makes sense, with black center caps) for 88-95 Trucks & 4runners. I never paid too much attention as the price was extremely good that the guy gave me, as far as the fact one was painted, but I managed to find a company local to me whom I contacted to get some aircraft quality paint stripper - they gave me 2 free pint samples which is extremely impressive and they were prompt, all I had to do was pick it up (as they are local). Now let me tell you holy crap this stuff works, and now I have a dilemna. It is a LOT of sanding. I originally wanted to get them all sanded up and shiny like they appear stock. But I as I'm sanding one, it's got a dirty "shine" to it. Sort of gun metal-esque and it looks really cool. Now I don't want it to look as though it's got permanent brake dust, but man it looks awesome in it's current state. Anyone have any recommendations for some good gun metal paint? Like a sort of darker shade of the stock shine if that makes any sense? I'm gonna consider painting and clear coating them or maybe just sand them and clear coat them, who knows.

 

I've been doing this same thing with my OEM toyota wheels... I stripped them, and sanded them... got the same darker "gunmetal" look like you are talking about. I hit them with a little bit of polish and sprayed the centercaps with Duplicolor High Heat engine enamel- Billet Aluminium. It matches perfectly. I got it at the local auto store... but I'm sure you can get it about anywhere.

 

besure to get aluminum primer!!! i did mine i sand blasted them then aluminum primed them then regular primer then paint!!!

 

I have done something with wheels I have had and with some shifters that has an interesting and eye catching look..

I wire wheel them with a high speed angle grinder and then use carb cleaner on them a couple times, wash em, then clear coat about 3 coats, or if its aluminum I have just left it as is. If anyone is interested, I could get some pictures of things I have done, I have some triple clamps lying around from my dirtbike.

 

Here is a good writeup:
http://home.off-road.com/~kemanuel/S...l/SR5Wheel.htm