Wheel Coating

[Galwaylotus]

The paint on my Lotus steel centre lock wheels is past its best. Two of them are badly weathered. As my tyres are old too I'm considering getting all of the wheels powder-coated and getting new tyres. Does anyone have any experience with powder-coated original wheels? Any cautions? I have two 4.5 inch and two 5.5 inch rims. Thanks for any input.

[pereirac]

I had my wheels bead blasted and powder coated in the late 1980s and they still look good!

[alexblack13]

This was the last thing I did when finishing the Sprint resto. I had them carefully cleaned and blasted then instantly PC'd in satin black. I then kept a close eye on them for slackening off,checking after every run. I had a big torque wrench and the spinner tool in the boot for a while. They were always bl**dy tight! So much so I had difficulty getting the bu**ers off.

I'm more than happy with the powder coating. Cost me 120 GBP for all four.

Best of luck with your car.

Alex...

[GrUmPyBoDgEr]

Some years ago I had my S4's original steel wheels blasted & powder coated by an experienced company in Reddich in the Midlands.
The proprietor advised me to put a bead of clear silicone all the way around the areas where the wheel centre attaches to the rim.
His explanation was that the blasting penetrates further than the powder coating & therefore corrosion could (will?) occur at that interface.
I thought that was very good advice
My wheels have been plastic bagged, kept dry & unused since then so I can't verify his advice with personal experience.

Cheers
John

[alexblack13]

Hi Guys, John,

I was a bit worried about the thickness and durability of the coating where the spinner (nut) contacted the wheel. I was sure it would suffer to the point of being destroyed and allowing the wheel to slacken, but experience has not shown this so far. The car did about 3k mls last year with some good long runs and as I said I checked the wheels for security often at 1st then less regularly as confidence was restored.

Interesting point on the sealant thought John. Might have a look next time I take them off for cleaning.

Have fun guys.

Alex..

[oldelanman]

Check the wheels aren't buckled before you spend money on refurbing them.
I had mine powder coated but found it didn't get into the gap between the centre and the rim so sealer is required to keep out the moisture and improve the appearance. The finish is also too brittle and tends to chip easily, the rim edge is particularly vulnerable when fitting tyres and balance weights. Also if it does get chipped you can't touch it up like paint. My experience may not be typical but if I did it again I would go for paint.

Regards,


By the way.....J. D. Pelly you are the GrUmPyBoDgEr and I claim the ?5 prize

[GrUmPyBoDgEr]

Check the wheels aren't buckled before you spend money on refurbing them.
I had mine powder coated but found it didn't get into the gap between the centre and the rim so sealer is required to keep out the moisture and improve the appearance. The finish is also too brittle and tends to chip easily, the rim edge is particularly vulnerable when fitting tyres and balance weights. Also if it does get chipped you can't touch it up like paint. My experience may not be typical but if I did it again I would go for paint.

Regards,


By the way.....J. D. Pelly you are the GrUmPyBoDgEr and I claim the ?5 prize

Oh bugger, rumbled so soon

[Galwaylotus]

Some years ago I had my S4's original steel wheels blasted & powder coated by an experienced company in Reddich in the Midlands.
The proprietor advised me to put a bead of clear silicone all the way around the areas where the wheel centre attaches to the rim.
His explanation was that the blasting penetrates further than the powder coating & therefore corrosion could (will?) occur at that interface.
I thought that was very good advice
My wheels have been plastic bagged, kept dry & unused since then so I can't verify his advice with personal experience.

Cheers
John

My only concern about that is that most silicone sealant contains acetic acid and acid promotes rust. Perhaps another sealant would be better.

[GrUmPyBoDgEr]

Some years ago I had my S4's original steel wheels blasted & powder coated by an experienced company in Reddich in the Midlands.
The proprietor advised me to put a bead of clear silicone all the way around the areas where the wheel centre attaches to the rim.
His explanation was that the blasting penetrates further than the powder coating & therefore corrosion could (will?) occur at that interface.
I thought that was very good advice
My wheels have been plastic bagged, kept dry & unused since then so I can't verify his advice with personal experience.

Cheers
John

My onlcy concern about that is that most silicone sealant contains acetic acid and acid promotes rust. Perhaps another sealant would be better.

Maybe you've got a point there & maybe the man didn't say silicone but just sealant.
I've not done my wheels but will bear your comment in mind when I do.

Cheers
John

[Galwaylotus]

Thanks to all of you guys who replied. I was doing really well until I read Roger oldelanman's response and now I'm scratching my head again!!