High temp vs low temp powder coat

[Cibalo]

So I've been digging around reading past threads on powder coating the stock wheels. I've noticed some discussion on high temp vs low temp on the oven cycle. Some are saying they don't have any problem with aluminum wheels coming back from powder coat and others are saying to only use a low temp process or you'll change the metal composition? Does anyone have a definitive answer on this?

I stopped by my local show and they said they can do them for about $50/wheel and will take a few days and the oven temp is about 400 deg. I'm assuming Fahrenheit but you never know.

[stevesrt8]

The only thing I can assure you is that the low temp coating is less durable.

I have never heard of this question, as most alloys love some heat. They serve as heat sinks for your brakes, and the hubs and near centers get WAYYYY over 400 degrees on the track!

I'd be more concerned about damaging the powder coat during extreme driving.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by stevesrt8

The only thing I can assure you is that the low temp coating is less durable.

I have never heard of this question, as most alloys love some heat. They serve as heat sinks for your brakes, and the hubs and near centers get WAYYYY over 400 degrees on the track!

I'd be more concerned about damaging the powder coat during extreme driving.

I agree, that's why I am adding my track wheels to my stable. When I go to the road course venues I'll take the stock SRT wheels and leave the sweet chrome-ies at home.

You would have to really drive hard to peal the chrome off, but it will discolor if you are at it for a good while. The powder coating is the same.

A 400 degree temp seems to be right around the norm for powder coating.

[Cibalo]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I should be ok. Just wanted to check things out before I send out my only set of wheels. Already upset that my car will be on jack stands for a few days while at the powder coater.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Cibalo

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I should be ok. Just wanted to check things out before I send out my only set of wheels. Already upset that my car will be on jack stands for a few days while at the powder coater.

You might want to ask the powder coater if they have ever done wheels like yours (or close) before. If they have ask them if you can call them for reference. Also, are they stipping the clear coat on the stock wheel before they poweder coat? If not, I would be worried about that.

[Cibalo]

They had a 15" wheel in mat black sitting in the shop that I looked at but don't know if it was steel or aluminum. He asked if mine were chrome or clean coated. Told him I didn't know if it had clear coat or not, read an hour later that they are clear coat. So he came out a looked, had to clear off some of the break dust first, and determined that it was a clear coat and said they'd have to take that off first or the powder coat wouldn't stick.

That's a good idea about asking for a reference Moose. I'll check into that.

[Kidrock73]

the high temp process should be no problem, i just had mine done last week. they turned out perfect. just make sure whoever does them sandblasts them first. mine were done by a shop in SPRING, TX. its called Precision Powdercoating. they do excellent work , i have used them several times. just my 2cents.

[Cibalo]

what did you do about the lug nuts? Did you have them powder coated too and were you able to get the 21mm socket on them?

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Kidrock73

the high temp process should be no problem, i just had mine done last week. they turned out perfect. just make sure whoever does them sandblasts them first. mine were done by a shop in SPRING, TX. its called Precision Powdercoating. they do excellent work , i have used them several times. just my 2cents.

That's what I was talking about, making sure they strip them properly. I'll bet yours look great!

[Kidrock73]

im running the stock lugs until i find something better. a couple of quick pics