Customize Your Tesla Model Y: a Step-by-Step Guide to Plasti Dipping Your Wheels

by JeminT in Workshop > Cars

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Customize Your Tesla Model Y: a Step-by-Step Guide to Plasti Dipping Your Wheels

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In this instructable, I show you how to modify the wheels of a Tesla Model Y with Plasti Dip. Plasti dipping your car's wheels is a fun and inexpensive method to customize its appearance. This guide is intended to be simple to follow, even for novices, and to assist car enthusiasts and DIYers in creating a custom look for their vehicles without the need of costly professional services.

Supplies


Disclaimer:

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Gather Supplies

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Make sure you have all the things you need, like special paint cans, tape, bags, cleaner, a soft cloth, soap, and water, and shiny stuff for the tires if you want.

Clean the Wheels

Start by properly cleaning your Tesla Model Y's wheels. Use a wheel cleaner to remove any dirt, brake dust, or grime. Wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth.

Once your wheel is completely dry, apply some rubbing alcohol to a clean microfiber towel and wipe it into every nook and cranny where the pasti dip should stick.

Now, take the tire shine applicator pad and apply 2 or 3 sprays of your preferred tire shine. It should be thoroughly applied on the tire sidewalls. Apply a thick coat of tire shine to tire sidewall groves since getting plasti dip out of these little crevices is a tedious operation. This tire shine will work as a release agent, and the plasti dip will simply peel from the tire.

Here is the link for Detailed Model Y Wheel Cleaning

Jack Up the Car (if Necessary)

Depending on your taste and level of comfort, you can leave the wheels on the automobile or jack up each corner to remove them for easier access. If you are jacking up your car, be sure it is safely secured. 

I would prefer to remove the wheels off the car. This allows you to freely roll the tires while applying Plasti Dip.

How to take off wheels from a Tesla Model Y.

Masking

Use masking tape to cover the tire and protect it from overspray. You can also use plastic bags or garbage bags to cover larger areas. Ensure that only the wheel is exposed and ready for plasti dipping.

Prepare Plasti Dip for Application

Before spraying, enhance the flow and coverage of the Plasti Dip by placing the spray can in warm water for 10 minutes. This helps to improve the consistency of the paint. After the initial warm water soak, shake the can vigorously for at least one minute. For even smoother flow and better coverage, place the Plasti Dip can in warm water for an additional 5 minutes just before application. This ensures optimal performance and a more even application of the paint onto your Tesla Model Y wheels.

Apply Plasti Dip

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Hold the spray can 6-8 inches from the tire surface. Apply a light, even coat of Plasti Dip, covering the whole wheel. Begin with a light coat and let it dry before applying more coats. Repeat the technique until you reach the desired color intensity. When applying plasti dip, always keep your wheels upright or inclined at a 45-degree angle.

Apply the first application to cover 50% of the wheel surface. Do not fully cover your wheels with Plasti Dip on the first coat. Go gradually with the first coat to ensure a smooth surface for subsequent coatings. Do not burst at a single point to create runny areas; instead, keep your hand moving.


Drying Time

Allow each application to dry for 15-20 minutes before applying the next. Before proceeding with the next step, ensure that the Plasti Dip is totally dried. Depending on the weather, drying time will vary, so always follow the instructions on the Palsti Dip container before applying the second coat.


Use all of the stuff from the Plasti Dip cans. Four cans will cover all four wheels. 


Apply 4 to 6 coatings from a single Palsti Dip container to each wheel.  


After applying all of the black coatings on the wheel and drying them,. Wait an hour before putting the Glossifier coat on the wheel to achieve the required shine. Glossifier is more liquidy than Black Plasti Dip's rubberized coating. To achieve the shiny metal impression on your wheels, apply one or two applications of Glossifier.


Peel Off Masking

Once you have applied the necessary number of coats and the Plasti Dip has completely dried, carefully remove the masking tape and plastic covering. Because we have sprayed tire shine to the Plasti Dip, it will simply peel off the sidewalls.

This will reveal the freshly dipped wheels.

Final Touches

Check for any areas that might need touch-ups. If necessary, you can apply additional coats to ensure even coverage. Once satisfied, you can also use tire shine on sidewalls to enhance the overall appearance.

Reinstall Wheels (if Removed)

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If you removed the wheels, carefully reattach them and lower the vehicle. Ensure that all lug nuts are correctly tightened to 129 lb. ft (175 Nm).

If you purchased the Center Cap with Tesla Logo and Lug covers, You can now attach them to your recently Plasti Dip wheels.


Smells Success!!

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You have successfully plasti-dipped the wheels of your Tesla Model Y, giving it a custom and unique appearance. Enjoy your newly customized car!