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DRTYFN
01-13-2004, 02:07 AM
I spoke with one of our powdercoating subs today and got some info for all of you that are thinking about PC'ing your wheels.

BK-01 is a black PC that will give you a texture that is similiar(maybe a little smoother) to the factory brush guard. Very durable.

BK-05 is the semi-gloss matte finish that I've used on two sets of my wheels. It's not a dull matte finish, but it's also not a high gloss either. Like Goldy Locks would say "It's just right".

BK-08 is slightly more of a matte finish than the 05, but it's much more durable. I'll be using this one when I redo my set of wheels that got chewed up.

Hope this helps.

S&B Member since '03

DRTYFN
01-13-2004, 02:07 AM
I spoke with one of our powdercoating subs today and got some info for all of you that are thinking about PC'ing your wheels.

BK-01 is a black PC that will give you a texture that is similiar(maybe a little smoother) to the factory brush guard. Very durable.

BK-05 is the semi-gloss matte finish that I've used on two sets of my wheels. It's not a dull matte finish, but it's also not a high gloss either. Like Goldy Locks would say "It's just right".

BK-08 is slightly more of a matte finish than the 05, but it's much more durable. I'll be using this one when I redo my set of wheels that got chewed up.

Hope this helps.

S&B Member since '03

unaslob
01-13-2004, 02:18 AM
what is it costing to do 4 wheels...

unaslobq

Corsa Sport exhaust(offroad 'tip'), Gobi rack w/ lights & w/roof mounted tire w/ ladder, Warn Winch with rear power, Dual Wolo Airhorns w/ lanyard valve, Hadley Aircompressor 130PSI, 14" airtank, front and rear quick disconnects for air, Cobra 75 WX CB, Dual 4' Firestik fiberglass whips, front tinted windows, 7" Homer Simpson decal (teehee)!

DRTYFN
01-13-2004, 02:24 AM
Depending on the shop, it's usually about $40-50/wheel. But remember you've got to get the wheel properly beadblasted first and that's about $25/wheel.

S&B Member since '03

frank6150
01-13-2004, 02:50 AM
So I guess the 400 - 425 the guy wants to charge me isn't really out of line then. Thanks for the info DRTY!

S&B Member since '03

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 03:48 AM
I dropped off my wheels to be black powder coated last week at Crosslink Powder Coating here in Dallas. $75 to blast the 5 wheels. $25 per wheel to powder coat. I purchased an extra set of stock rims for $150 on ebay.

I picked out a finish that looked to be very close to stock and was described to me as being very durable. This guy also sent me to another shop that would paint the caps to match the powder coat job.

I should be picking them up this Wednesday. I will post pictures and a follow-up.

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

frank6150
01-13-2004, 03:56 AM
I wish there was a place that specializes in powder coating around here... Best place I found is a guy that comes to work when he wants to and never wants to paint anything.

When he does pick up the gun though the work is extremely good. I am just happy to get it done and even at 425 + 100 for the rims I think it is money well spent for the happiness it will bring me.

S&B Member since '03

DRTYFN
01-13-2004, 05:51 AM
I did a search for powdercoating in your city and came up with zilch. So I started looking for metal fabricators and came across this:

Rideltin Powder Metal
201 East Carson Street,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 390-1000

If that these guys don't powdercoat ask them if they know of anyone that does. And if that doesn't work try to do an MSN search for metal fabricators. Call them to see who they use for powdercoating. You're going to have to do some calling to find your answer. If you get a negative answer make sure to ask if they know where to point you.

Good luck.

S&B Member since '03

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 09:35 AM
Whoever said you had to beadblast is selling you an extra service unless you're starting with a wheel that already has a finish on it. I started with just polished wheels, we "cleaned" the little dust that was on the new wheels off of them, and then powdercoated... 12,000 miles later, there are absolutely no problems and that's on and off road.....including a lot of mountain gravel roads.....

Ed

Detonate
01-13-2004, 10:53 AM
Yeah, I've been told twice now that my wheels don't need to be bead blasted before coated.

------------------------------
North Texas Hummer Team Member
http://www.redreefscuba.com/hummer/ht.jpg (http://www.hummerteam.com/)
2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 11:17 AM
I have been told more times than once that they do need to be blasted. I was also told this by a guy that was selling 20 to 30 sets of black powder coated rims a week.

I personally feel as though one would get a much better bond with the stock H2 wheels being soda blasted first as they surely are very slick and have some sort of coating on them. And for only $75, I can afford to be wrong.

You can see mine on Saturday Det!!

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 11:40 AM
Sorry, but you're wasting money on some wheels because they are not all coated.......and if your powdercoater is worth his salt, he'll tell you that.......

I've done a lot of powdercoating for a show car's engine compartment in the past as well, and we never blasted anything that was not coated, only cleaned the part. Never a problem!

Spend your money if you want but I would ask some other powdercoaters their experience....


Ed

Detonate
01-13-2004, 12:44 PM
The guy I talked to in Ft. Worth had originally told me that I'd need to have them blasted over the phone, and quoted me $100 to do so, which I agreed to pay.

When I got to him and showed him the rims, he then told me I didn't need to have them blasted.

That to me says he's being honest about it.


Hey Kyle,
Did you get new tires as well? I've decided that I'm waiting to get new tires until discount tire stocks them. They are $100's of dollars less than I've found 37's anywhere.

Oh, and about this weekend. We are planning on meeting at Gilmer around 9, or meet at Denny's near where 80 and I-20 merge around 7, have breakfast. Convoy to Gilmer around 8, and arrive around 9.

I can get better directions to the Denny's if you want to meet there.

Looks like we have 4 H2's, 1 Jeep, and 1 H1 coming from Hummerteam. Not including you, or anyone you bring.

------------------------------
North Texas Hummer Team Member
http://www.redreefscuba.com/hummer/ht.jpg (http://www.hummerteam.com/)
2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.

frank6150
01-13-2004, 12:46 PM
So you guys are saying all you need to do is wipe the dust off the rims and then do it?

The couple shops I talked to all mentioned stripping the rims down before coating them.

S&B Member since '03

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 12:53 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MisterEd:
Sorry, but you're wasting money on some wheels because they are not all coated.......and if your powdercoater is worth his salt, he'll tell you that.......

I've done a lot of powdercoating for a show car's engine compartment in the past as well, and we never blasted anything that was not coated, only cleaned the part. Never a problem!

Spend your money if you want but I would ask some other powdercoaters their experience....


Ed<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am going to defer to the professionals instead of forum posters on this one and go with "wasting" my $75 on what more than one powder coater has told me. Thanks for your input.

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 12:58 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Detonate:

Hey Kyle,
Did you get new tires as well? I've decided that I'm waiting to get new tires until discount tire stocks them. They are $100's of dollars less than I've found 37's anywhere.

Oh, and about this weekend. We are planning on meeting at Gilmer around 9, or meet at Denny's near where 80 and I-20 merge around 7, have breakfast. Convoy to Gilmer around 8, and arrive around 9.

I can get better directions to the Denny's if you want to meet there.

Looks like we have 4 H2's, 1 Jeep, and 1 H1 coming from Hummerteam. Not including you, or anyone you bring.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I will have at least one non-H with me and my kids as well (21 months and 3). My parents are also going to meet us as well. (Wheeling has always been a family outing for us.) So I am unsure of pre-wheeling activities as I think we are going to have enough to do with just getting everyone together.

We were looking to arrive at the Gilmer location about 10AM. I am sure we will all find each other!

I was looking at getting a set of those Motorola walkie talkies, do you use them? If so what channel?

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 01:06 PM
I used new rims so there was minimal dust on them.....I have been told the biggest problem in coating wheels comes from brake dust not being totally cleaned off of "used" wheels.....so with my new ones there was no big deal......

Ed

Detonate
01-13-2004, 01:08 PM
I have an FRS as well as a handheld CB. I keep both tuned to Channel 4.

If you could try and push it to get there by 9:30, we can wait at the Trail head airing down, etc.. for you guys to get there. We really wanted to be on the first trail by 9:30ish.

------------------------------
North Texas Hummer Team Member
http://www.redreefscuba.com/hummer/ht.jpg (http://www.hummerteam.com/)
2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 01:17 PM
Hey, your call but I can tell you in spending about $5,000 over the past several years on powdercoating I've never had a problem because I went to the folks who consistently won at car shows and found out who their powdercoaters were.......your guy who wants $75 is being "safe" with your money...

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 01:42 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Detonate:
I have an FRS as well as a handheld CB. I keep both tuned to Channel 4.

If you could try and push it to get there by 9:30, we can wait at the Trail head airing down, etc.. for you guys to get there. We really wanted to be on the first trail by 9:30ish.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would not suggest waiting on us in all honesty. Adding small kids into the mix generally does not mean we will run early.

What is an "FRS"?

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

Detonate
01-13-2004, 01:44 PM
Family Radio System or something to that effect.

All those new Walkie Talkie things are considered FRS radios.

------------------------------
North Texas Hummer Team Member
http://www.redreefscuba.com/hummer/ht.jpg (http://www.hummerteam.com/)
2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 01:58 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MisterEd:
Hey, your call but I can tell you in spending about $5,000 over the past several years on powdercoating I've never had a problem because I went to the folks who consistently won at car shows and found out who their powdercoaters were.......your guy who wants $75 is being "safe" with your money...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks. I fully understood your opinion the first time you posted it. These are not car show parts for pretty boy cars and toys. These are rims that will be used repeatedly under harsh conditions. I therefore feel more comfortable spending $75 to insure a better bonding to prevent harms that can befall a powder coat. The powder coaters I am using are of an industrial background, not focusing on pretty pretty car toys (although they do some of it), but rather in powder coating applications for endurance and metal protection. This is one of the reasons I am using them. I visited their shops before I gave them the business to see "what they did."

Also, I was in an industry that catered to industrial surface preparation for a decade as well, so I think I have a bit of a handle on this situation. I can say that I never saw a painting or coating company not prep a surface by blasting when the option was available. I think blasting will lend to a longer lasting and more durable finish.

I am spending $75, not $5000, so I think I can bear the expense on my $150 set of rims. Thanks again for your advice, please accept the fact that I don't find your suggestion sound in this particular application. However, I could possibly see your angle should your truck be one that will never leave the pavement.

We can agree to disagree on this one.

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 02:03 PM
Roger that on the FRS Det, excuse my ignorance. I will pick up a set at Walmart this week. Probably should have a set for the truck anyway...

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

DRTYFN
01-13-2004, 02:21 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MisterEd:
Whoever said you had to beadblast is selling you an extra service unless you're starting with a wheel that already has a finish on it. I started with just polished wheels, we "cleaned" the little dust that was on the new wheels off of them, and then powdercoated... 12,000 miles later, there are absolutely no problems and that's on and off road.....including a lot of mountain gravel roads.....

Ed<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have been powdercoating factory wheels, so they absolutley need to be beadblasted first. We tried one wheel without striping it and the PC didn't adhere properly.

"Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are used by both industries and consumers. The powder used for the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surfaces until heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish. Powder coating is the fastest-growing finishing technology in North America, representing over 10% of all industrial finishing applications." found on:
http://www.powdercoating.org/benefits/

We only deal with high quality industrial powdercoaters, and everyone of them that I consulted with strongly suggested that the factory wheels be striped for the the PC to adhere properly.

BTW, your black Atlas wheels look great.

S&B Member since '03

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 02:26 PM
The "pretty boy toy" you are referring to was a magazine cover, 1971 Panterra with a 500 hp, 351c that was NEVER trailered to a show...........it ran 200mph+ and never lost a show........was driven in snow, rain, 100 degree plus weather and powdercoat never had a problem........and that inludes the water lines...being the knowledgeable person you are, I'm sure you know what that means!

As I said you decide but don't knock me for successfully doing something different than your "expert" opinion and having it work........

My H2 has been from mud to gravel to boulders, over trees and through streams........no flaking, no scuffing, no problems.........and I have no bling bling on my truck either, it's a working vehicle not a street queen! My method has proven itself!

You are free to do whatever you want, just know you don't have a monopoly on ideas about powdercoating!!


Ed

Age is a state of mind. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.....

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 02:30 PM
Hey, you guys do whatever you want....... I'm just saying I have powdercoated non coated items without blasting them and the coating has held just fine........and it has been my powdercoaters suggestions to do so, not mine....

Cheers to all!

Ed

DRTYFN
01-13-2004, 02:45 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MisterEd:

You are free to do whatever you want, just know you don't have a monopoly on ideas about powdercoating!!


Ed

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Did I knock your "ideas"? No. All that I did was give the experience of what I've encountered to some of the folks here that asked for it.
Don't have a hissy because my information is different from your's.

S&B Member since '03

Detonate
01-13-2004, 02:48 PM
It basically boils down to whether or not the rims are coated.

If they are, then of course bead blasting would remove that coating and take you down to bare metal.

If it's not, then bead blasting would not be removing anything, and you'd be left with bare metal.

From what I was told, the H2 Stock Rims are already bare metal.

With that said, I'll probably be getting mine done by a friend for free, and I'll have him bead blast them "just in case". If I were paying, I'd go with whatever the Powder coated suggested, and is willing to warrenty.

------------------------------
North Texas Hummer Team Member
http://www.redreefscuba.com/hummer/ht.jpg (http://www.hummerteam.com/)
2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 02:50 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MisterEd:
Hey, you guys do whatever you want....... I'm just saying I have powdercoated non coated items without blasting them and the coating has held just fine........and it has been my powdercoaters suggestions to do so, not mine....

Cheers to all!

Ed<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think we all got the first three times you mentioned it. I respect that you have an opinion. I just happen to realize that its "wrong". JK!!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

On another subject, why do they call you "MisterEd"? Oh wait.....never mind, I don't want to know. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

DRTYFN
01-13-2004, 02:51 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Detonate:

From what I was told, the H2 Stock Rims are already bare metal.

With that said, I'll probably be getting mine done by a friend for free, and I'll have him bead blast them "just in case". If I were paying, I'd go with whatever the Powder coated suggested, and is willing to warrenty.

------------------------------
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Somebody is feeding you some bad info. The factory rims are definitely coated.

Are you going to go with black rims? That'll look great on your rig.

S&B Member since '03

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 03:05 PM
Proof is in the performance........

Mine is doing just fine........hope yours does as well...

And even though your from Texas, I guess you don't know which end kicks........ http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 03:05 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Detonate:
It basically boils down to whether or not the rims are coated.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It seems to me that if the rims were not coated they would oxidize very quickly in some of the saltier environments that some of the H2s are obviously kept in.

Even the coating argument aside, blasting the wheels will allow for two things that simply wiping the rims down with cleaner will not accomplish. 1. You get a "new" surface free of impurities. 2. And most importantly, after blasting you get a rougher surface area that will increase surface area and porosity of the wheel allow for a powder coating that will undoubtedly adhere better.

Now whether or not you need it to be done is up for grabs, but when I sell mine (and I will at some point), I will show them the invoice that proves they were blasted before powder coating and use it as a sales tool.

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 03:06 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MisterEd:
Proof is in the performance........

Mine is doing just fine........hope yours does as well...

And even though your from Texas, I guess you don't know which end kicks........ http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 03:10 PM
That's all I was saying as well but to the FROGMASTER or whatever the name is........not you DRTYFN

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 03:10 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MisterEd:
And even though your from Texas, I guess you don't know which end kicks........ http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't know about GA, but they teach us not to stand behind jackasses in TX so we don't find out first hand.

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

DRTYFN
01-13-2004, 03:24 PM
Ok, ok, ok... Opinions are like *******s... everybody's got one and the other guy's usually stinks.
Let's just agree to disagree. Let the prospective powdercoater decide(yes) whether or not(the right way) to strip the wheels first(do it) or not(you'll be sorry if you don't). http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

S&B Member since '03

MisterEd
01-13-2004, 03:33 PM
From American Racing Wheels warranty........."Polished and billet aluminum wheels oxidize and require regular maintenance. The finish is not covered by this warranty."

So draw your own conclusions about all wheels being coated........and DRTYFN, AMEN!!


Ed

Detonate
01-13-2004, 03:43 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FrgMstr:
2. And most importantly, after blasting you get a rougher surface area that will increase surface area and porosity of the wheel allow for a powder coating that will undoubtedly adhere better. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>That's what common sense would say, and it sounds very good when "said". But in truth, because of the way powder coating works, the roughnes of the surface doesn't matter at all. Really a smoother surface is going to give you a better look. And a rough surface will show as the powder forms a uniform coat on the surface and is fused with the metal when cured.

------------------------------
North Texas Hummer Team Member
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2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.

Klaus
01-13-2004, 03:44 PM
From GM:

Document ID# 291461
2003 HUMMER H2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
A protective clear coating covers the surface of original equipment cast aluminum wheels. A surface degradation may develop if frequent automatic car wash cleaning wears off the factory applied protective clear coating. This can happen at some automatic car wash facilities that use aggressive brushes to clean whitewalls and tires. Once you damage the protective clear coating, exposure to caustic cleaners and road salt can cause further surface deterioration. Damage to the protective clear coating is corrected by replacing the damaged wheel. Refinishing is no longer recommended.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document ID# 291461
2003 HUMMER H2

Detonate
01-13-2004, 03:46 PM
Klaus, you are a bastard! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

------------------------------
North Texas Hummer Team Member
http://www.redreefscuba.com/hummer/ht.jpg (http://www.hummerteam.com/)
2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.

Klaus
01-13-2004, 04:11 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Detonate:
Klaus, you are a bastard! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep! Guilty as charged! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Klaus

Skull & Bones Member since 2003

FrgMstr
01-13-2004, 08:03 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Klaus:
From GM: A protective clear coating covers the surface of original equipment cast aluminum wheels. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Many thanks Klaus. I hope this puts the argument to rest over blasting your stock H2 wheels previous to powder coating. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com