I am seriously considering powdercoating my polished lips to matte black like the "phantom volks" due to some chemical damage. Has anyone done this already? Pictures? Any advice concerning this process? Thanks.

 

bump

 

if u get it done right it'll look great

 

also interest in this . . .

T

 

powder coating forged wheels will weaken them.

 

technically it will age forged wheels. Based on alot of info out there on forged aircraft parts, it makes them more brittle, contrary to what you'd think. However, I think most PC problems are related to too much heat and too many heat cycles (combined). If a PC shop is careful, it's probably ok. Al doesnt anneal until almost 600F. As long as the oven doesnt have hotspots and they dont try to bake off the old coatings, I would imagine you wouldnt have issues.

 

What about painting or anodizing? Could any of these methods have an adverse effect on a wheel durability? Also, are these long lasting alternatives? Finally, will PC work without issues on cast wheels? Thanks in advance for your response.

 

cast or forged, 400F for 10 mins is not really an issue. However, they will heat them at least 3 times. They may or may not cool much between heating. They heat them to 'outgass' before spraying and so the PC will flow properly. Then bake the PC.. then repeat for clearcoat.

However, for whatever reason, your wheels spend time above 450-500F, you could actually have issues depending on the design of the wheel. Thin split spoke and the 5 spoke OEM wheels come to mind as wheels that cannot take the process. I wouldnt PC those at all. But again, people are getting wheels PC'd all the time. Just insist on a good shop that will only heat your wheels as much as needed and will be sure not to overtemp them. And only let them cool between heating only as much as necessary. I've come to the conclusion that really, only sloppy shops are a problem