18 replies to this topic

[1984mini25]

To throw a spanner in the works (in particular wheels), I've seen in other forums (Evo/Mercedes/Subaru forums etc) that due to powder coating, the properties (strength/hardness etc supposedly up to 30% less strength) of the materials are changed as a result of heating the item up. This then can cause the wheels to become weak and in some instances break. Maybe it's specific wheels (thin spokes?) I don't know - that being said, I see a heck of a lot of tyre shops/repairers offering powder coating.

In any case, if you are to get your wheels done, make sure the bolt holes and the face that touches the hub isn't coated as this could cause the wheel/bolts to become loose. Same if you was to paint the hub face/inside wheel face.

Open to being corrected/people's opinions if I'm wrong.

 

The issue your are on about with regards to powdercoating wheels, seeing as I have previously worked powdercoating alloy wheels for a day job. Is if the wheel as baked for too long and at too high a temperature, then yes it can in some cases weaken the alloy and make them brittle. Normal cheaper powder coat needs to be baked at too high a temp for alloy, there is a powder coat that doesn't need to be backed as high that can be used on alloy, but like most things it's more expensive. And from experience, cheaper aftermarket 'copy' and old wheels are more prone to cracking.

[Twincam]

To throw a spanner in the works (in particular wheels), I've seen in other forums (Evo/Mercedes/Subaru forums etc) that due to powder coating, the properties (strength/hardness etc supposedly up to 30% less strength) of the materials are changed as a result of heating the item up. This then can cause the wheels to become weak and in some instances break. Maybe it's specific wheels (thin spokes?) I don't know - that being said, I see a heck of a lot of tyre shops/repairers offering powder coating.

In any case, if you are to get your wheels done, make sure the bolt holes and the face that touches the hub isn't coated as this could cause the wheel/bolts to become loose. Same if you was to paint the hub face/inside wheel face.

Open to being corrected/people's opinions if I'm wrong.

 
The issue your are on about with regards to powdercoating wheels, seeing as I have previously worked powdercoating alloy wheels for a day job. Is if the wheel as baked for too long and at too high a temperature, then yes it can in some cases weaken the alloy and make them brittle. Normal cheaper powder coat needs to be baked at too high a temp for alloy, there is a powder coat that doesn't need to be backed as high that can be used on alloy, but like most things it's more expensive. And from experience, cheaper aftermarket 'copy' and old wheels are more prone to cracking.

I see, so a combination of cheaper quality wheels and using a cheaper powder coating technique could be the reason for the cracking?

If there is a possibility of that occuring, what would you recommend for someone to do to their wheels? Sprayed? (Just looking to have a good alternative - ill be needing my ZX9R wheels done soon)

[1984mini25]

 

 

To throw a spanner in the works (in particular wheels), I've seen in other forums (Evo/Mercedes/Subaru forums etc) that due to powder coating, the properties (strength/hardness etc supposedly up to 30% less strength) of the materials are changed as a result of heating the item up. This then can cause the wheels to become weak and in some instances break. Maybe it's specific wheels (thin spokes?) I don't know - that being said, I see a heck of a lot of tyre shops/repairers offering powder coating.

In any case, if you are to get your wheels done, make sure the bolt holes and the face that touches the hub isn't coated as this could cause the wheel/bolts to become loose. Same if you was to paint the hub face/inside wheel face.

Open to being corrected/people's opinions if I'm wrong.

 
The issue your are on about with regards to powdercoating wheels, seeing as I have previously worked powdercoating alloy wheels for a day job. Is if the wheel as baked for too long and at too high a temperature, then yes it can in some cases weaken the alloy and make them brittle. Normal cheaper powder coat needs to be baked at too high a temp for alloy, there is a powder coat that doesn't need to be backed as high that can be used on alloy, but like most things it's more expensive. And from experience, cheaper aftermarket 'copy' and old wheels are more prone to cracking.

I see, so a combination of cheaper quality wheels and using a cheaper powder coating technique could be the reason for the cracking?

If there is a possibility of that occuring, what would you recommend for someone to do to their wheels? Sprayed? (Just looking to have a good alternative - ill be needing my ZX9R wheels done soon)

 

 

Personally I would have them painted as apposed to powdercoated. It might not be a durable, but if done properly would look better and be easier to redo in the future and the wheels wouldn't need to braked as high.

[Mini 360]

To throw a spanner in the works (in particular wheels), I've seen in other forums (Evo/Mercedes/Subaru forums etc) that due to powder coating, the properties (strength/hardness etc supposedly up to 30% less strength) of the materials are changed as a result of heating the item up. This then can cause the wheels to become weak and in some instances break. Maybe it's specific wheels (thin spokes?) I don't know - that being said, I see a heck of a lot of tyre shops/repairers offering powder coating.
 

It can be the case that if a wheel has been refurbished with powdercoat a few times (not just once) then the metals tensile strength suffers.  However, this is only if it is done repeatedly.  Most people get wheels coated and its done for life.

 

I have a powdercoated front subframe on my Mini.  It has suffered, rain, wind, hail, stones, dirt roads, brake fluid and oil and yet with a wipe of a cloth, its like new with a totally unmarked finish.  Try and beat that with paint.  Not a hope in hell!

 

Paint is durable but in my opinion powdercoat is a better option.