Powdercoat project- wheels

[Squid4life]

Well, I am doing some powdercoat work for a buddy in trade for some parts. His wheels are Breyton Inspirations (IIRC) and were curbed here and there and the clear was yellow and flaky. He did not want to keep the machined lips, he wanted the wheels 100% coated. The color is Platinum from Eastwood. I think they came out pretty nicely.

{sorry, I am procrastinating on paperwork so decided to post these up... Back to work....} :frown:

 

[GNBRETT]

Pretty freaken awesome. How much does that normally cost and what cautions are needed when cleaning them as far as what chemicals not to use?

 

[Squid4life]

Pretty freaken awesome. How much does that normally cost and what cautions are needed when cleaning them as far as what chemicals not to use?

Thanks! Some of the guys around here have told me they pay anywhere from $200 to $350 to do a set of wheels depending on where, what prep and masking is required. Like paint, prep is a huge part of powdercoating. (probably the biggest pain in the a$$ too...)I am kind of OCD when it comes to detail work like this and want everything perfect. It took me two days to prep two wheels.

As far as chemicals to clean them, I usually use a normal chemical stripper to get the majority of the past paint or coating off, then if necessary in the small spots use a 3M blend and buff wheel or worn barrel sander. Once that is all cleaner and rinsed thoroughly, I use an air hose to make sure it is dry, then mask whatever is necessary. Then I use a "PRE" prep wipe to remove oils and fingerprints, etc, just like paint. Then I put it all in a powder booth I made with a rack in it and exhaust fan and filter, spray it, then cook it. It is pretty awesome stuff, and maybe even a bit fun. Not a bad way to make a few bucks on the side for car parts. :biggrin:

 

[Squid4life]

Hmmm, after reading your post are you talking about what to use/not to use cleaning them once on the car? I have been told they are pretty much impervious to oils and mosy automotive chemicals, but if they were mine it would only be normal soap and water. I am not sure all the wheel cleaners are 100%. I would have to test them on some other test parts first.

 

[rmar]

Squid,

Looks good...........

 

[Squid4life]

Squid,

Looks good...........

Thank you Sir, I appreciate that! Means a lot from someone who this is their business! :biggrin: I have poured over your site and drooled over the pics. Amazing!

 

[aminga]

Hmmm, after reading your post are you talking about what to use/not to use cleaning them once on the car? I have been told they are pretty much impervious to oils and mosy automotive chemicals, but if they were mine it would only be normal soap and water. I am not sure all the wheel cleaners are 100%. I would have to test them on some other test parts first.

Most do not recommend an acidic cleaner on powder coat. I've found since coating mine soap and water from the wash bucket does just fine

 

[rmar]

Warm soap water is a great cleaner/oil removal.
you can solvent wipe to remove oils. But you still need a conversion coating. Iron phosphate 2% in a pump sprayer will help make your troubles go away....:biggrin:

Whoops thought you where talking prep......

 

[GNBRETT]

Ok, so warm soap and water. Thanx.

 

[aminga]

Ok, so warm soap and water. Thanx.

Powder coat was the single best thing I've done to my car. Makes the T-wheels a Pleasure to clean.

 

[Squid4life]

Powder coat was the single best thing I've done to my car. Makes the T-wheels a Pleasure to clean.

Yeah, that is the whole reason I started coating was to do my wheels, intake, valve covers, etc, etc,etc, but I have been so busy doing other peoples stuff I have yet to do anything of my own!