All the hubcaps on my 2002 impala are peeling. What causes this problem?

Has anyone had success with repainting them? If so, what kind of paint?

I've got an '02 Impala (105k) and my hubcaps still look fine (I think ... maybe they have some slight blemishes). A couple of days ago I saw a 2000 Impala with over 200k miles on it with horrible-looking hubcaps that were peeling terribly. Had never seen hubcaps that looked that bad before.

I don't see why you couldn't paint them - it's just plastic. That's what I'd do (first). I'd probably try to get the loose flakes off with a chemical first - because sanding the plastic might scratch it too much. But if sanding is necessary, I'd use as fine a grit as I could fine - like a a very fine emory cloth - 200+ grit (or finer if you can find it). Then I'd wash the hubcap to make sure it's dust-free before painting it. As far as the color, I think it's more of a flat gray/silver (as opposed to a gloss or semi-gloss). Maybe you could buy the factory paint at the dealer if it's not too expensive. I did this years ago to touch up rust spots on the body of a car I owned. I bought a quart using the color code on the fender/firewall, plus some "reducer", and a small glass bottle which was threaded to a can of compressed air with a spraycan-like tip. I think the reducer was used to thin out the paint and this mixture was then poured into the glass bottle. I sprayed it on just like it came out of an off-the-shelf can of spray paint. Worked very well...

First thing is I am not sure which hub you talking about...small wheel bolt cover on 21 spoke rim or the full fat spoke cover? Either way though the system (Preval Spray Gun) spoken of by colt hero above is a good way to go. Most auto paint/parts supply stores carry them and you should be able to get color mix there but it is very expensive 20 per 1/2 pint and some reducer. Do not use a chemical on the plastic, start with 360 grit for a smooth finish and go finer if you like to 600 grit....you'll need a flexible Primer. Or you can go get the spray at the dealer which would be less expensive way to go. Just depends on what you personally want to do. I would probably go the cheaper route on the hub cap.

dude..... just by u some more duhh lol................. thank u have a great day.:smile:

Blksuperman409 - Dude - If the original wheels peeled, chances are new ones will too. It's better to do it right than just feed the OEMs who don't seem to care about the end product once it's sold.