The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Painting Wheels

What is the best finish for wheels? I have the three piece split rims off a 1954 1 Ton. I would think they would get all scratched trying to put the split part on. Is there a really durable finish? Possibly something from POR?

55, any time you use mess with a split rim it is bound to get scratched. My personal preference for the best use of a split rim is either a dock anchor, flower planter or fire ring. But that is a personal preference.

If you are going to use them for the sake of authenticity, I would suggest you get the tires you are going to run with mounted first, then clean, mask and paint them. That way you don't have to worry that they will be scratched by the person you have mount your tires.

Powder coated wheels are the best. Although one should watch out for UV resistance...

Yes, To Powder coat.

Not to nit pick here or hyjack a thread but is powder coat autentic? I know the process is has not been around since way back but can anyone tell the process just by looking at it?

Kenny B.

I doubt many could tell the difference by lookin, between a good original style gloss paint job and powder coat .... even a car show judge

Bill

Interesting thing happened today with my wheels. My painter had the the tires dismounted across the street at a tire place. After priming them the intent was to remount the the tubes and tires, but not inflate them until finishing the base coat/clear coat process. After prepping the wheels they went back across the street and the tire guy informed them that they could not remount the tires because they were over 5 years old (Actually, they are about 20 years old but show very little signs of age.) They took them to another place and got the same story. Finally they were taken to xyz tire place and had the job done.

All of that being said... One day I will more than likely have them demounted again, the wheels blasted, and then powder coated. I will more than likely buy some new Cooper tires at $150 or so a pop at this time. Of course, the problem again will be remounting the tires without nicking the powder coat.

BTW, I've seen everything from fences, engine parts, patio furniture, my Harley sliders, etc. powder coated and you really can't tell it from "real" paint.

If you powder coat them, can they be touched up? If not, I would suggest to just paint them. Then touch them up after the tires are mounted.

John

I just picked up my rims from the tire store this PM. Had them powder coated and a new set of Coopers. The only problem with powder coating is color choices. You are only able to choose the colors that are generated for power coating, pretty basic. I selected a color they call "hunter green" which looks somewhat like the origional on my truck. I will try to match that color when I paint the truck.

big chevy.... what did you use on your frame? looks awsome...

Thanks dbone.
I had it sandblasted and primered and then a black epoxy.

dbone:
I see you are in Dripping Springs. I have a place in Blanco. My blasting is all done at Abernathy's Restoration. He has a great rod shop 7 miles out of Johnson City. He did the frame for me. And his prices are a whole lot better than here in Dallas.
Their website is: http://www.abernathyrestoration.com/

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning towards just using regular paint. I have the stupid three piece split rims and will without doubt end up scratching them while putting them back together.

Those three piece rims are why I made the boat anchor comment in my post above. Unless you are going for full authenticity, there are much safer alternatives for yourself and whoever mounts your tires.

If you are dead set on using them, (they aren't called "widowmakers" for nothing), make sure your tire guy uses a safety cage or retainer straps or chains while mounting or demounting the tires. If he doesn't, take them to someone that does.

Thanks Dave O., I am trying to keep it pretty original. I just bought six 700x18's for "Big Orange" ($$$$ ouch) and will use the factory rims. I have experiece with the split style rims and will probably just do them myself. If you don't hear from me in the next couple weeks.....send an ambulance!! I do like the fire ring idea though. I have a bunch of 8.25 20's I think I'll do that with!

Powder coat will flake after a couple of years,has something to do with expansion from hot and cold I think. Could just be my problem. Going back to paint next time though.