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  1. #1
    Very Active Member stewartj239's Avatar
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    Default RT-S Black OEM Rim to "Special Series" Rim Conversion

    The RT "Special Series" rim that came out in 2015 caught my eye and I always thought that I would like to see those rims on my RT-S which came with the standard black rims. I had been on the lookout for a used set to show up and even thought about buying them new, but had a hard time determining what the actual part number was.

    I recently came across this thread by Steve W. that showed how to do it using an angle grinder:

    https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...S-front-wheels

    Thanks to Steve for this thread as I knew that this was probably the way to get there. My only concern was with his use of an angle grinder as I didn't trust that I could handle it in such a tight area, especially with the part of the rim where the tire mounts. I did some research to see if I could accomplish the same thing using a Dremel. I was able to locate the comparable bits and decided to give it shot.

    So here are the Dremel bits that I used. An 80 grit flapwheel, a 120 grit flapwheel and a 180 grit buffing wheel. For each rim, I used one 80 grit flapwheel and one 180 grit buffing wheel. I was able to use just one 120 grit flapwheel for both rims.

    Rims-1.jpg

    After I started the first rim, I came up with the following pattern which I think worked best. I started removing the paint at the base of each "V". I then worked my way out as seen in the 2nd and 3rd pictures.

    Rims-2.jpg Rims-3.jpg Rims-4.jpg

    Once I was done with each of the "V" sections, I then hooped the outer ring of the rim that borders the tire. Here is the end result.

    Rims-5.jpg

    Here is how the finished rim compared to the OEM rim. It is purely an optical illusion, but the just created "Special Series" rim looks bigger.

    Rims-6.jpg

    So for the order of events here, I started with the 80 grit flapwheel. To remove all of the paint, it took about 35-40 minutes per rim. I then used the 120 grit flapwheel to smooth out and clean things up. That took about 10-15 minutes per rim. I then used the buffing wheel to shine it up a little bit. That took about 5-10 minutes per rim. So if you do the math and taking your time, which I did, it took me a little under 1.5 hours per rim.

    Overall, I am extremely happy with how this came out. $35 in Dremel bits and 2.5 to 3 hours of my time and it was done. This was a much easier solution than finding the "Special Series" rims and having tires mounted. Here is a shot of the final product.

    Rims-7.jpg Rims-8.jpg

  2. #2
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    Nice job! I just did something similar. I bought 2 of the 2020 wheels off EBAY, but one was all black. I did some sanding and polishing and clearcoat and now have a matching set.
    s-l1600.jpgs-l1600 (1).jpgIMG_20220127_085058507.jpg
    2021 Sea to Sky RT , Highland green

  3. #3
    Very Active Member stewartj239's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joel The Biker View Post
    Nice job! I just did something similar. I bought 2 of the 2020 wheels off EBAY, but one was all black. I did some sanding and polishing and clearcoat and now have a matching set.
    Awesome!! Very resourceful. I love these little DIY projects!!

  4. #4
    Very Active Member gkamer's Avatar
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    I have to admit I found the end result of both projects to be very attractive and look just as good as factory original.
    Greg Kamer
    "It's better to be not riding and wishing you were than be riding and wishing you weren't."

    USAF, 20 years, retired
    Sheriff's Office, 23 years, retired



    2018 Can Am Spyder RT-Limited

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