Powdercoating Stock Alloys

[bikingengineer]

Has anyone powdercoated their stock Alloy wheels? I was thinking of getting this done, but wondering about what I should expect for cost and what I should look for in a quality powdercoater. I like the look of a darker wheel on my Liquid Silver 2, but wanted to check if there was anything I should look out for.

 

[datsunfreak]

In my experience, the cost has been at least $60-70 per wheel, as they usually need to be sandblasted first. Plus cost of taking the tires and sensors off, then remounting and rebalancing the tires.

For something like this, I'd be tempted to go ahead and spend a few bucks more and get some new wheels in a color you like. Especially since there are much lighter weight options out there.

 

[scoobs]

In my experience, the cost has been at least $60-70 per wheel, as they usually need to be sandblasted first. Plus cost of taking the tires and sensors off, then remounting and rebalancing the tires.

For something like this, I'd be tempted to go ahead and spend a few bucks more and get some new wheels in a color you like. Especially since there are much lighter weight options out there.

I agree

 

[envy2]

or you can be cheap and just plastic dip your wheel.

 

[shiznig]

Agree with envy. Buy some plastidip for 1/4 of the price of a full powdercoat and spray them yourself!

Have had mine on my stock wheels for well over a year. It still looks great albeit its losing a bit of colour cause of baking in the sun. But even then, I can simply peel them off and re-spray .

 

[utmorpheus]

Also powdercoating requires baking which will weaken the aluminum. This may not turn into a problem if you DD, but pushing the car at the track or autox course could lead to cracking.

 

[scoobs]

I love Plasti-Dip, you can change looks on the fly.
If you hate it rip it off and start over.

https://www.dipyourcar.com/ has loads of colors to choose from

 

[duren03msp]

too bad youre not in mn. I do powdercoating out of the garage. turns out great. much better than any plasti- dip. I also work at a shop with access to a tire machine and balancer.

 

[BigBlueDart]

I've been kinda wondering about DIY powder coating. A little while ago a friend posted something about a powder coating kit sold at Harbor Freight. It's got me curious.

 

[duren03msp]

go with the eastwood "hot coat" gun. works awesome. i buy my powders from prismatic powders. they have 6500+ different colors. its addicting.

 

[BigBlueDart]

Hmm... tempting... too bad it's too late to add to my father's day wishlist. Or my birthday, for that matter.

 

[Racebrewer]

Also powdercoating requires baking which will weaken the aluminum. This may not turn into a problem if you DD, but pushing the car at the track or autox course could lead to cracking.

IMHO: The baking process shouldn't get close to any temperature which will weaken the wheels.

John

 

[bikingengineer]

As a metallurgical engineer, I agree that should not have any effect on strength.