Whats up guys, took off the centercaps/lug nut covers on the 98 LS400 OEM wheels. My concern is will this cause any damage to the center threaded area? My dad likes the look without em but insisted I ask you guys if its detrimental as in dirt/water/dust/etc getting in there? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Great looking OEM wheels. It would not be detrimental at all but it will allow dirt and grime into areas that otherwise it would not. It's just the hub and lugs right there. Nothing sensitive. Many rims have the lugs exposed, nothing new. Fantastic condition though.

 

Thank you, I spent 3+ hours polishing them. My fingers hurt and shoulder ached but it was worth it.

 

Thank you for the input
I assume its just like when I see other cars or even the LS400 to be specific running aftermarket wheels with no centercaps....same thing.

BTW I spent 3+ hours polishing them. My fingers hurt and shoulder ached but it was worth it.

 

The cover is there for a reason. Idk how dirty and dusty your roads are, or how much rain you get out there but all the dirt and rain can now get on the lugs and in the wheel bearings easier. Everything will rust faster and, depending on how long you run like that, you wont be able to get the lugnuts off. If they rust enough you'll end up having to cut them off and ruin your rims by doing so. I dont see how that looks better then if it's covered up like it's supposed to be.
My opinion; put the covers back on.

 

i like em with the covers off too. i agree with lavrish, they are not detrimental to the lugs unless you like in an area where snow constantly covers the ground. judging from the condition of that wheel, you don't!

 

they'll be fine. the wheel bearings have seals anyways. you'll be fine.

 

Thanks guys I feel more assured now and I never go to the snow. I just drive all over the Bay Area (Norcal).

 

They really look great, I'm sure running them like that wont be a problem at all. You got them polished to mirror perfection!

 

Thank you.

Oh one more question guys, are the 98 OEM LS400 wheels polished or chrome plated? I cant quite tell the difference.

 

They had a machine finish or optional chrome. The chrome on mine has flaked but I'm not about to attempt to remove then polish them. Good job!

 

Thanks! I wish there were just mirror polished from the factory since I have this paranoia of chrome peeling off...at least with mirror polish the luster can be brought back with some good ol elbow grease.

Normally I also clean the inner barrel of my wheels (when getting a new set) and behind the spokes but I didnt go that far on this one since the wheels were already on the car.

 

you Sir, have accomplished something that I said could never be done - make the hideous 98-00 stock wheels look cool!

very impressed

 

Thank you, I actually love the 98-00 OEM wheels. I tend to gravitate towards simple 5 spoke design wheels...fat spokes, thin spokes, etc.

Here is my ride (centercaps omitted and emblems deleted next to another black LS400, random encounter)

 

OK, farther away they look a little bit better to me. Without the cap on, it brakes up that BIG solid piece of chrome. But I still dont like the looks of the very center exposed, or the lugnuts. Maybe if you had some chrome lugnuts it would look better to me. But I'm only one person with one opinion.
Plus, we're different over on this side of the country. We get snow and ice.