Fixing Rusty Sprinter Hubs
How to Paint the Hubs on Your Sprinter Van
Step 1: Preparation
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Evaluate Your Setup: If you are converting your Sprinter Van from a dual rear-wheel (dually) setup to a single-wheel setup (such as the Owl or Reica Super Single), you may notice the hub is exposed through the larger wheel openings. This can lead to visible corrosion, which detracts from the overall look of your Sprinter Van.
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Create a Template: Using cardboard, create a template that will cover the areas you don’t want to paint. This will allow you to easily paint the hub without overspray on other parts of the wheel. Simply trace around the hub and cut a circular shape in the cardboard.
Step 2: Gather Materials
- Rustoleum Rust Reformer: This paint is ideal because it converts rust into a paintable material. Even if your Sprinter Van’s hub isn't too rusty, this product ensures the surface will stay protected and look clean.
- Painter’s Tape: Use this to cover bolts or other parts of the wheel that you do not want to paint.
- Spray Can: A general-purpose spray paint can be used for the final coat.
Step 3: Apply the Rust Reformer
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Set Up the Template: Place your cardboard template over the hub to shield the rest of the wheel and surrounding area.
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Tape Off Bolts: Apply painter’s tape over the bolts to ensure they are not affected by the spray.
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Spray the Rust Reformer: Apply a coat of Rustoleum Rust Reformer onto the hub. Make sure to get full coverage, especially on any rusty areas. This product adheres well to metal and dries quickly.
Step 4: Spray Paint the Hub
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Use Light, Even Strokes: With your template in place and bolts taped off, spray the hub using even strokes. Ensure that you cover all the edges and any visible areas that may show rust or wear.
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Cover the Flanges: Be sure to spray the edges of the hub flanges thoroughly, as these areas tend to accumulate rust.
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Avoid Overspray: Since you’re working in a small space, carefully aim the spray away from parts of the hub you don’t want to paint. The cardboard template should help shield these areas.
Step 5: Let it Dry
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Check for Missed Spots: Once you’ve applied a full coat of paint, give it a few minutes to dry. Rustoleum dries fairly quickly, so you can inspect the surface for any spots that might need additional coverage.
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Add a Second Coat: If needed, you can apply a second coat to ensure thorough coverage. This will help give your Sprinter Van’s hub a smooth, professional look.
Step 6: Mount the Wheel Carefully
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Reinstall the Wheel: After the paint has dried completely (this should only take a few minutes), carefully remount the wheel. Take care not to scrape the freshly painted hub as you place the wheel back onto your Sprinter Van.
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Touch Up if Needed: If you accidentally scuff the paint during the wheel mounting process, simply use your cardboard template to cover the surrounding areas and touch up the hub with additional paint.
Step 7: Optional: Paint the Wheel Wells
- For a Cleaner Look: If your Sprinter Van is a lighter color, you can also paint the inside of the wheel wells black. This will make them less noticeable and give your van a cleaner, more uniform appearance.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your Sprinter Van's hubs looking sharp and rust-free, adding a finished, professional touch to your vehicle's overall look.
Remember, if you have any questions, we have our van experts standing by at all times. Give us a call at (866) 695-8267 and we'll be happy to help you.
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More soon,
John Willenborg