7 replies to this topic

[Tamworthbay]

Got a set of wheels from 1990ish that I was going to get powder coated. I have since heard that its not always a good idea to powder coat old wheels due to the heat cycle causing problems. I haven't heard of this before bit can believe it COULD be possible. Anyone got good experience of powder coating to say one way or the other?

[crazicarl]

I'd also be interested to find out as I was thinking of getting my cosmics powder coated.

[1984mini25]

Having worked doing exactly what your asking, yes 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.

[Tamworthbay]

Having worked doing exactly what your asking, yes 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.

These are High quality and very light and were VERY expensive when new so don't know if that will help. I was thinking of taking them to city powder coaters in Brum but not so sure now.

[ANON]

had loads of wheels powder coated, probably had about 30 this year, apart from a couple that had problems with the actual casting quality not had any problems.

[coopdog]

Yeah same I had mine done a couple of years ago!

[stickycreambun]

I had some steel wheels done, had to be done a second time as there was a bit of a reaction but they were really good then. 

[crazicarl]

Any advice then for older wheels to avoid cracking? Avoid powder coating and just spray or go for the alloy specific route?