Steel Wheels (Silver) and Fastener Hidden Behind Wrap + Swap to LFP?

[Chapman]

I am hoping that instead of the black steel wheels we can get them in silver from the factory, similar to any "Steelies" you'd typically see, without the need to wrap them. I personally don't like black wheels on my vehicles, I think that it is more of a fad, and really like the classic look of a more standard Steelie (Ford Maverick XL/Toyota Tacoma SR has them). Even if they keep the same shape without hole cutouts, like they have on their black steelies, that works too.



I am also wondering if other people would be interested in the fastener holes being filled with a small 3D printed piece that fits into the head of the fastener and then makes for a flush face so that the wrap can then be installed over them and fully hide the exposed fasteners. I think that some people would prefer the cleaner look, and it would also help with peoples concerns over the body panels being easily stolen since they would be now be hidden. I personally don't believe we will have issues with them being stolen, but it could help with that fear and also make a cleaner aesthetic. This could 100% be optional as it seems like quite a bit of people do prefer the exposed fasteners look. The pic I attached is from a quick google search for similar items, hopefully it makes sense to everyone.


Another note, I really hope they are able to make the move to LFP batteries so that we can charge to 100% with less degradation over time. This will make a huge difference especially for those who are choosing the 150 mile battery option, as 80% charge is only 120 miles in the summer and significantly lower in the winter.

 

[KevinRS]

There are only a limited number of fasteners visible, and of those on the body panels, it looks like the panels extend under or wrap to locations where there will be more fasteners that can't be accessed without opening doors, frunk, or tailgate. So maybe someone can steal some fasteners, but they aren't going to get a panel off.
If people want covers for cosmetic reason, I'm sure someone will start selling injection molded covers made at far less cost per unit than 3d printing.
But, I think the top of the factory fastener is probably even with the surface of the panels, so a cover becomes a bump, making things complicated if you want to completely hide it with a wrap. Also it means if you do need to remove a panel, you have to cut into the wrap.

 

[Chapman]

From the 3D model on the Slate Configurator online it looked to me like the fasteners were slightly recessed beyond the panel side, which is why I was hopeful. We will see when the truck comes out. I'm sure the look of the exposed fasteners will grow on me after I have it for a while anyways

 

[Chapman]

Quick photoshop of what I was picturing (I was at work when I started this thread lol). This would be my ideal Slate setup - all factory except a two-toned wrap and a pair of silver steelies. Plus the fasteners covered up by the wrap.

 

[E90400K]

Quick photoshop of what I was picturing (I was at work when I started this thread lol). This would be my ideal Slate setup - all factory except a two-toned wrap and a pair of silver steelies. Plus the fasteners covered up by the wrap.

Is that the Maverick wheel option?

 

[Chapman]

Is that the Maverick wheel option?

Caught me - love those Maverick Steelies lol

 

[RevCaptJack]

There are only a limited number of fasteners visible, and of those on the body panels, it looks like the panels extend under or wrap to locations where there will be more fasteners that can't be accessed without opening doors, frunk, or tailgate. So maybe someone can steal some fasteners, but they aren't going to get a panel off.
If people want covers for cosmetic reason, I'm sure someone will start selling injection molded covers made at far less cost per unit than 3d printing.
But, I think the top of the factory fastener is probably even with the surface of the panels, so a cover becomes a bump, making things complicated if you want to completely hide it with a wrap. Also it means if you do need to remove a panel, you have to cut into the wrap.

Re the color of the wheels, I too haven’t been a fan of all black either. But I plan on painting my wheels white soon after I get it along with painting the grill white and maybe the top. Kinda like some of the new Broncos. I love that look.

 

[Chapman]

Re the color of the wheels, I too haven’t been a fan of all black either. But I plan on painting my wheels white soon after I get it along with painting the grill white and maybe the top. Kinda like some of the new Broncos. I love that look.

White painted wheels could look great too. That will definitely be the least expensive solution too, solid idea. I may play around in photoshop to see what painting the bumpers white would look like, that may also be an interesting look.

 

[E90400K]

Caught me - love those Maverick Steelies lol

Yeah, me too. I have the 17" steelies on my Bronco Black Diamond, but they are black. I've been debating whether to paint them silver like the Base Bronco color, but hesitant because of resale value.

 

[Chapman]

Yeah, me too. I have the 17" steelies on my Bronco Black Diamond, but they are black. I've been debating whether to paint them silver like the Base Bronco color, but hesitant because of resale value.

You should be able to use paint stripper on the wheels when you go to sell it, or leave them as-is and see if it sells with them painted. Might be a bit of a pain to get it all off, but it could be worth it if you enjoy the looks and drive the vehicle for a while before selling it