The first time the prototype Tesla’s Model 3’s were brought on stage they had some pretty unique wheel designs. One of them was the aero wheel, which went on to become the standard 18″ wheel cover option for the production car. The original design, however, was a quite a bit more interesting than the one we ended up with.

On reveal night, the matte black Model 3 featured the two toned predecessors to the aeros we have today. They were a sight straight from the future, in silver carbon fibre and black. The production version’s grey on grey plastic by comparison doesn’t measure up.

As much as I tried to convince myself that they were still cool and futuristic…. I couldn’t help but think they detracted from the cars otherwise gorgeous styling.

Like many others I had already purchased the kit with the lug nut covers and centre caps to make the rims underneath look nice, and they do, but I just wasn’t ready to give up on the aeros. What I really wanted were those prototype wheels… or something close.

So I after some consideration I bought some vinyl in gunmetal carbon fibre and some black plasti-dip spray (those are Amazon links, the spray I used is from Canadian Tire). All told it cost ~$60 for the materials. Here’s what’s I did:

Step 1: Apply Vinyl to “Spokes”

I used the vinyl on the light grey “spokes” of the aero covers.

Cut one rectangular piece per spoke, ensuring the lines of the carbon fibre pattern are at the same angle for each spoke. (Just cut a large rectangle that’s bigger than the spoke by ~20%)

I stuck one edge of the vinyl down and shaped it to the contours from the centre out. I used a heat gun sparingly to help the vinyl form better, I’m told a hair dryer would also work. Don’t stretch it too much.

After completing each spoke I trimmed off the excess and carefully overlapped the portions in the centre of the aero cover around the Tesla logo.

Honestly that process was very time consuming, but maybe I’m just not very good with vinyl. I also don’t like that it left me with seams but at a distance they aren’t really noticeable. Months later and the vinyl is holding great.

Step 2: Plasti-Spray the rest

To complete the look I then taped off the vinyl spokes to prepare the cover for black plastic spray (sometimes called Plasti-Dip).

This part was delightfully easy and I think it looks great. It’s spray paint but more forgiving. Apply it generously and as directed.

**just a heads up that on my first try I didn’t use a spray, I tried to do a matte black vinyl but quickly decided it wasn’t worth the time and found the spray to be a better option.

Anyways here’s the final result, with side by side comparisons so you can decide which one you prefer.

Thanks for reading.