There have been some threads lately where the safety of powdercoated wheels has been discussed. Some feel that powdercoating wheels will weaken the wheel by altering the molecular structure of the wheel due to the heat required to cure the powdercoat.
I know that there are a BUNCH of powdercoated wheels on the forum, and I don't remember EVER reading of a wheel failure where the wheel did not hit a curb, a car accident, etc.
I know that, generally speaking, forged wheels are stronger than cast wheels. That being said, would a forged wheel hold up to the PC process better than a cast wheel?
Has anyone heard of, seen, read about, or actually experienced a powdercoated wheel failure or damage?
Curious as to your experiences, facts, opinions, etc.
Location: the GOCC are everywhere, even back from "band camp"
When the powder coating is cured correctly it should not affect the original temper of the alloy wheels. I recently had my Ronal centers powder coated, and am having another set of wheels done for my DD.
Bruce
There is a powder on the market that only requires temperatures under 250-300 degrees for curing. The only downside is the finish which is just a tad less smooth. Since there is a field of argument on the effect of transitional tempering of the metal even at low temperatures, I believe I would use the low temp stuff if it were me. However, when I painted my wheels, I simply used the hi temp caliper paint from a spray can and the finish looks pretty good. It is not smooth but I like the textured look of the wheel just fine.
Of course, you really need to be sure the applicator will use the low temp stuff because the temperature of their oven is probably set for other pieces while doing yours.
The above only matters if you decide there may be a problem, of course.....
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Airport bum, Track bum, regular user of go-jo hand degreaser. LT4 - 372HP/355Torque, LS6 450HP/373 Torque.
I've been chasing this story for several years now. It's almost like an urban legend.
The only valid issue I've heard is that the wheels can crack from fatigue and you won't be able to be able to see the crack. Then again I've never seen a single case of this taking place, only heard the stories.
Now chrome plating - that's a big issue. That's for another thread though.
I have had powder coated rims on 4x4s and Corvettes. I feel very safe having wheels powder coated. I have had no issues at all. I believe the temp is to low to do any change to the wheel. I can MAYBE see if a wheel already has a problem like a hairline crack, it could make it worse, but the chances of that seem very low.
I am currently having a set of C6 Z06 rims powder coated back.
The 4x4s I would take 4 wheeling in mud, sand, rocks, and water with no problems. AND they always looked good.
We're all so sensitive about taking our vettes out in bad weather ..... doesn't driving in the mud like that play havic with your wheel bearings and suspension seals, etc?
Mark
Say, has anyone ever powercoated just the blades of a set of sawblades?
We're all so sensitive about taking our vettes out in bad weather ..... doesn't driving in the mud like that play havic with your wheel bearings and suspension seals, etc?
We're all so sensitive about taking our vettes out in bad weather ..... doesn't driving your 4X4 TRUCK in the mud like that play havic with your wheel bearings and suspension seals, etc?
I have personally seen wheels that were powder coated have severe structural integrity issues because of the heat used in powder coating ...
the process uses enough heat to cause annealling of the the metal. Wheels which are heat treated for added strength are affected more severely than wheels which are not heat treated.
Wheels that are destined to be powder coated are manufactured under slightly different conditions and processes.
We're all so sensitive about taking our vettes out in bad weather ..... doesn't driving in the mud like that play havic with your wheel bearings and suspension seals, etc?
Mark
Say, has anyone ever powercoated just the blades of a set of sawblades?
Thats what i wonto do with my vette is just powder coat the original saw blades
We're all so sensitive about taking our vettes out in bad weather ..... doesn't driving your 4X4 TRUCK in the mud like that play havic with your wheel bearings and suspension seals, etc?
Mark
Sorry Mark
I always power wash my truck after play in the mud, snow, and sand. Trucks are designed to withstand added abuse, but I still like to get it cleaned as soon as possible. I have not had any ill effect yet. I take them to the Oregon Dunes also. The black F150, I had for 3 years, no problems. The new owner has had it for another three years and it is still on the road.
I have personally seen wheels that were powder coated have severe structural integrity issues because of the heat used in powder coating ...
the process uses enough heat to cause annealling of the the metal. Wheels which are heat treated for added strength are affected more severely than wheels which are not heat treated.
Wheels that are destined to be powder coated are manufactured under slightly different conditions and processes.
I would not recommend power coating a wheel.
A large majority of wheels are painted
Hi Luke,
Please do not take this personally, but I would like to see proof. I know you have more experience than I ever will.
I have had many wheels powdercoated and no problems. As seen, the wheels are also on 4x4s which exsert way more torque than an average car.
I have yet to see one verified case of wheel failure that has proven to be because it was powder coated.
If it is true, I would like to know also. I would stop having wheels powder coated.
I'm wondering if the cracked wheels that have been seen are from other causes, rather than the powder coating. Some GM wheels have less than stellar reputation.
Please do not take this personally, but I would like to see proof. I know you have more experience than I ever will.
I have had many wheels powdercoated and no problems. As seen, the wheels are also on 4x4s which exsert way more torque than an average car.
I have yet to see one verified case of wheel failure that has proven to be because it was powder coated.
If it is true, I would like to know also. I would stop having wheels powder coated.
Thanks,
Patrick
As with most phenomena in the field of physics, and as Einstein loved to say and attempt to prove, all things correlate. Perhaps you have heard of the new 'composite' type personal aircraft, plastic, if you will....
The reason they are mostly completely white is to lessen the deleterious effect of the sun shining on the aircraft while parked on the hot tarmac. The transitional temperatures weaken the structure. Of course I am speaking of those that are layed up 'cold' in the manufacture. One cannot see the effects, cannot feel the effects, and cannot really test for the effects nondestructively. But, push the extremes of the aircraft and it won't hold together after baking too hot.
As suggested in previous posts, you may consider just painting....
(I know I sorta stretched Einstein's simplified/universal theory above... )
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Airport bum, Track bum, regular user of go-jo hand degreaser. LT4 - 372HP/355Torque, LS6 450HP/373 Torque.
Corvette Store
Powdercoating wheels, safe or not?
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