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Honda Civic: Customizing Your Rims

Simple and inexpensive ways of customizing your rims include replacing your lug nuts, installing a hub ring, painting the rims, or having them powder coated. Continue reading to find out what each of these add to your Honda Civic.

By William Henderson - March 26, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000).

Modifying your rims is a relatively simple way of customizing your ride without spending a lot of money or time. Depending on how far out you plan to go, you may not be able to find all of the upgrades you want at an auto parts store. If this is the case, prepare to do some research online in order to find the best deal on your aftermarket parts. You likely already have the tools you need for each upgrade. If you're planning to paint your rims, make sure to buy more than you think you need. You'll likely need to apply two or three coats before you have your rims looking just right.

Lug Nuts

DIY Cost – $3-$20 per lug nut

Professional Cost – $40

Skill Level – Easy; you only need the new lug nuts and a lug nut wrench.

One way to upgrade your ride without paying through the nose is by replacing your OEM lug nuts with a new set. They’re available in a variety of colors and finishes (flat, shiny, etc.), and even vary in the number of sizes. Sizes typically range from 10mm thread diameter to a 5/8 inch thread diameter. You can also find lug nuts with different seat styles—this is where the lug nut meets the wheel. When replacing your lug nuts, remember to add them to your spare tire as well. Also, be sure to use the right type of lug nut because the wrong type can damage your wheel, and, if not torqued properly, can affect how safe your wheels are. Recommended for its looks and low cost.

Hub Rings

DIY Cost – $12-$45

Professional Cost – $75

Skill Level – Easy; you only need to remove the wheel.

Aftermarket wheels tend to come with cheap hub rings or no hub rings at all. Factory wheels are designed to fit perfectly with the hub. If you have installed or plan to install aftermarket wheels, the center hole diameter may be different. So to properly install an aftermarket wheel that doesn't fit perfectly with the hub, you’ll need to first install a hub ring. This ring will help support the weight of your ride. You can order hub rings in a number of sizes, depending on the size of your wheel. Also, installation is easy. All you need to do is place the hub rings over the center of the hubs, and re-install the wheel. Before buying new hub rings, be sure you know the size of each wheel’s centering hole and the outer diameter of each wheel’s hub. One set should include four rings. Recommended for its easy installation.

Paint Job

DIY Cost – $45-$75

Professional Cost – $250-$350 for labor

Skill Level – Easy; you will need the necessary supplies before beginning.

Painting your rims is a simple and surefire way of customizing your wheels without paying through the nose. Go with a color that complements the color of your ride, or be bold and pick a color that will help your car stand out. Be sure to take off your wheel before painting, since you don’t want to accidentally get paint on the car itself. If you’re not planning to replace the lug nuts and you want them to be the same color as the rims, be sure to paint them as well. Before beginning, make sure you have enough paint to complete the job, as well as sandpaper, painter’s tape, adhesive spray, and clear coat spray. Recommended for its various color options.

Powder Coat

DIY Cost – $150 for the kit, and $800 for the professional machine

Professional Cost – $350-$450 for labor costs

Skill Level – Moderate; you need the necessary equipment.

Refinishing or restoring your rims with a powder coat will hold up over a longer period of time than simply painting your rims. A powder coat is tough, durable, and scratch-resistant. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Also, it's environmentally friendly. The powder coating is made up of pigment and resin particles, which is then electrically charged to be sprayed onto your rims. The rims are then cured in an oven, which helps the powder permanently adhere to your rims. While you can paint the rims yourself, it's likely that you'll need to take your car to a professional to get your rims powder coated. Recommended for its tough and durable performance.

Featured Video: Powder Coating Your Rims

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