Question: Are stock wheels from the 2008 350z Nismo Powder coated or painted?? Like I'm talking straight from the factory original. Rays forged wheels

 

painted k11

 

2nd question: if the original Rays wheel was dented or scratched, should you paint them or have them powdered coated? The big debate is whether the paint will chip off.

 

curb rim will get curbed again...I'd hold off...just touch it up!

 

Well mine were hit by another car and the body shop is repairing it and I thought for sure they were powder coated but now I find out it's painted. So...now I'm confused as how they are supposed to fix the wheels

 

Paint is fine. Just be careful when having tires removed and installed. I just tell the tire shop that the factory paint is delicate and prone to chipping if they aren't careful.

https://my350z.com/forum/north-west/...ft-nw-ftw.html

 

To answer your question: Powdercoat.

Why? Because I had the Rays wheels with curb rash. Horrible chips too. I had them powdercoated and It basically fixed them. Look black and brandnew. The best part about powdercoat is it is not delicate like paint and can hold up a lot better.

Most places will sandblast it before they powdercoat which also helps the look. I only paid $40 per wheel.

Here is an example:


This wheel had horrible curbing and now looks brand new.


Example of all four.

 

I take it your wheels were painted and not powder coated? If they sanded down the scrapes and scuffs, how did they keep the contour of the lip as if nothing had happened?

 

If it's done properly, you really won't notice. Also, if the damage is severe, they usually fill it by welding before any extensive sanding is done. Not a fan of that on a forged wheel but it looks much better than a low spot from sanding.

 

Hmm intriguing.

I would go powder coat if you can get it to match the finish of the rest of the wheels, if not just paint them... I have ran into the issue of paint chips from getting the rubber replaced and it sucks!

 

Yeah, I had one wheel painted and the shop did a great job blending in the lip/contour of the wheel because they had to sand down half the circumference of the lip - you couldn't even tell it had been fixed when it was done! Then, I had another wheel done that was only spot sanded and you can tell where it was sanded down if you look really close because the contour is slightly off.