So, my late steelies need some love. I dont want to empty my pockets with a powdercoat, so i was thinking rattle can. What paints have you guys used or recommend? Also, how did you prep the wheels? I want the factory silver look.

How rusty are they? Save yourself a lot of work and have them sand blasted to bare metal. It's the only way they'll really look good after you paint them.

forgot that i was going to put them through the blaster. there is just some minor surface rust.

If they're rusty, sandblasting is the way to go. I did mine in a cabinet, but there may be a nearby blasting company...I've had bumpers done for just a few dollars if I took them to where they were working. If they're not rusty, just scuff them with a Scotch-Brite pad, clean with paint thinner, and spray.
I used Summit rattle-can "Argent Silver Wheel Paint"...it's an almost perfect match for the original. Hardware store "silver" seems to be too light.
Good luck.

cm

This paint makes a nice wheel. Available at your FLAPS.

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

I'll just do them in my cabinet.

If I sandblast the wheels, do I use self etching primer, or run sandpaper over the wheel and use regular primer/sealer?? What do I do after blasting?

Sandblasted surface really isn't good enough to paint directly. Etching primer will save a lot of elbow grease. Sanding is called for if you'll use 'regular' primer.
I've used a phosphate (acid) wash on some old truck rims to prep the blasted surface before 'regular' primer, but they've never been in the weather so I can't say yet how well it works.

cm