Hey guys, your resident newb has come across some more questions to ask. I was at one point considering buying some rims however circumstances do not permit it at this time, mostly because of $$$. However i just recently started thinking, well I like the look of my stock rims, what if they were a different color? So my questions about powder coating or Wheel painting i guess startes here. 1. How much does it typically cost? 2. Where can I get it done? 3. Do you think its worth it/a good idea? 4. Can they provide the same kind of finishes (Gloss black/polished lip Or just Gloss black for the entire thing, gloss anything for that matter) As buying new rims? Thanks a lot in advance guys, your always very helpful.
Hmm, I can't find my old threads so I'll have to go from memory. I had my 00-01 6-spokers (and another set of 15's for winter) done at Gauthier Industries (Rochester, MN). http://www.gauthind.com/ If the tires and valve stems are already off, Blast Clean (right behind Gauthier) will sandblast them naked for $15 per wheel-- possibly more if it's a "complicated" pattern. Gauthier then has a ~$150(?) minimum job cost, so that's how much it will cost as long as you don't require more than the base amount of material (completely covering 5 wheels is well below that minimum). If you wanna get fancy and mask parts of it, or do multiple colors, that'll probably be extra labor. But solid, full coverage of a whole set of wheels is right around $200. Hobbyists can do it for a lot less with an old oven in their garage, so that's an option if budget is your biggest concern. Tech notes: - Powdercoating is plastic in powder form, electrically charged, sprayed on, and then BAKED. Therefore, you can only powdercoat COMPLETELY BARE metal. Obviously, tires MUST be dismounted beforehand. - Any bits of rubber or paint residue will burn and boil during the baking process, leaving an ugly little bubbly "scab" in the finished surface. I repeat: COMPLETELY BARE metal. - Unlike most hobbyists, industrial powdercoating facilities will dip the items in something-or-other ("oxide"?) to prep the surface for better adhesion. - Pretty much any color and finish (gloss, satin, flat, clear) is available, but they have varying degrees of durability.
I live in Woodbury so a drive to gauthier is over an hour, not that thats completely outrageous but i was wondering if there is a place a little closer, like n the cities that might be able to do everything all at once, something along the lines of i pay them they take the tires off, sandblast, prep and paint, i dont really have the tools to remove my tires, also even if i did, i would then have to no car to drive myself there, im a one car guy so it makes a little more difficult. Anyone know a one stop shop? A link or phone number would be appreciated? ^^^^ I cant seem to find one. This Gauthier place sounds pretty good, would anyone be able to help me figure out how to get my tires off if i decide to do this? Im sure blast clean doesnt remove the tires, also how long does this powercoating take?
i can get a set of four done for $150. as long as they are sand blasted first. got mine in a glossy black done and two sets of bikerboys in a flat black done if you want to see some before you do it. matt
Pretty sure you are on your own for dismounting. Paint/powdercoat places are not set up with that kind of equipment; wheels are a pretty small fraction of their business. Don't forget you'll need to pay to have them re-mounted and balanced. I would wait until you need new tires, switching to winters, or something like that Or just do the ghetto spray-paint with the tires still on. Seems to work OK for a lot of people.
Twin City Powdercoating They did my Co-workers Ridgeline truck wheels will take pics tommorrow and post here. REALLY GOOD WORKSMANSHIP!!! http://www.dexonline.com/servlet/Ac...=341&incr=1&last10Saved=true&resultForm=BASIC
Thanks a lot guys, But those Gold Rota Torques seem to be calling out to my Black WRX, i may have to go that route instead, song seems to be able to get me a pretty good deal...I just need some cheap 17" tires then again so do these...http://www.wheelsnext.com/default.cfm?action=dspWheel&MODEL=WEBSTAR&color=BLACK (GLOSS FINISH) And their a pretty good deal to...
