While I agree that the finish on the plastic rims could be improved, I think higher gloss paint along with quality weathering could achieve that.Because with die-cast,
you’d see metal and its sheen, not opaque plastic.
Since they are not die-cast, they appear much more of a solid bronze than they ever should.
In other words, the solid color on plastic looks cheap
and knocks the realism we’re looking for here.
Tinted die-cast rims is what was needed here.
No one is talking about painting die-cast rims,
there shouldn’t be any paint covering them at all is my point.
I get where you’re coming from wanting metal rims, but die-cast metal is typically pretty cheap with a dull finish. To get the inherent sheen that you’re suggesting may require a higher quality metal than is affordable for this type of project. I’m not sure that deleting sound effects and smoke would cover the cost difference.