I was thinking of painting my 16" R83's black with powder coating or clear coating. I have a LY/LY Mini, and I think this would look sweet.

I called SVC (Special Vehicle Concepts) in Newport Beach near my house, and they advised against painting my rims. He was explaining to me that it wouldn't work out too well because of the rim style.

Has anyone here had experience painting their R83's Black, or any color for that matter?

Thanks!

 

Powder coating is not painting... powder coating is done with a powder. The powder is applied to the metal (it's electrostatically charged first so it sticks to the item) and the item is put into an oven and heated to 400-450 degrees. The powder melts and fuses onto the metal. Then clear coat is (usually) sprayed on for further protection. Powder coating is far more durable than painting... it wont chip as easily, is UV resistant, and is perfect for wheels. It is available in pretty much any color, and many finishes (flat, gloss, wrinkle-finish, etc.)

I dont understand what the shop you called is talking about. You can powder coat *anything* (metal that is)... all sorts or strange shaped items. Maybe they were recommending against *painting* the wheels.

I powdercoated my Mini roof rack, and they got the inside channel completely coated... it looks great (click):


As you can see in d-mini-ero's thread... a good powder-coater can do amazing things!
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...c=21342&23

A few more pics here:
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/pr.../0307scc_mini/
(click on wheel pic to enlarge)

http://images.cardomain.com/member_i...80_32_full.jpg

And as far as the R83's... Mini offers them in White... so obviously white powder coat works fine on that "rim style"... as will black.

So find yourself a good high-end wheel-shop and they will definitly be able to take care of you.

One thing to consider is that you wont have a silver "lip" like all the pics above... so the tire will blend right into the wheel. You should google for some pics like this and make sure you like that look...

 

Dreamin,

Thanks for the good information. That helps me out a lot. So basically then, powder coating or painting will look the same after clear coating them? Looks to me like they are both real shiny from what I have seen on the 'net.

I really like how your racks look. Really clean. I might consider doing that for my own racks... I have a LY/LY Mini, maybe I'll get them powder coated black.

Thanks!

 

My local dealer showed me a set of S-lites that they had painted black and put on a MCS to get some feedback. Even the staff at the dealership agreed it did not look nearly as nice as they had expected. They compared their MCS with the black S-lites to my one day old MCS with ASA AR1's and agreed that the painted wheels were a disappointment. Didn't look bad, just no better than the factory silver. I personally like the silver wheels on a LY car.

Good luck

 

>>Dreamin,
>>
>>Thanks for the good information. That helps me out a lot. So basically then, powder coating or painting will look the same after clear coating them? Looks to me like they are both real shiny from what I have seen on the 'net.
>>
>>I really like how your racks look. Really clean. I might consider doing that for my own racks... I have a LY/LY Mini, maybe I'll get them powder coated black.
>>
>>Thanks!

I say go for it!!! I think it would look hawt with the contrast.

plus, if you decide that you dont like it...i have an extra set of R83's (wink wink)

heh heh

-chris

 

this is just my opinion, but black wheels reminds me of steelies, so
unless you have a polished rim, i would probably stay away from just a
black, but perhaps anthrasite, gunmetal, or bronze type color to give it
a little definition from the tire sidewalls. :smile:

even black spokes on polished rim is really cutting it close. i would
opt for a gunmetal type color or anthrasite (my type of color).

 

Some alloy wheels that have been heat treated or constructed in advanced methods may be damaged, or weakend by additiona heat used to set the finnish. Gravity cast are your best candidates! -

Alex

_________________
Alex ext 294

800 522 8473

Tire & Wheel forum moderator

www.tirerack.com

alex@tirerack.com

 

Hi Kilo, I'm with you. I have a LY/LY S and I want to do my wheels in black powdercoat, with a polished rim. There is a place in Orange County, Al Reed's that can probably do your wheels. I have seen their work, and wouldn't hesitate to use them. They can do it all, fix damaged rims, plate, you name it. They are at 3010 E. Coronado #A, Anaheim CA. 92806 (714) 632-3907. I'd be using them except I am in Hawaii, and the shipping back and forth would kill me! Be sure and post some pixs!

 

Hey thanks JCIP,

Yeah I'm still debating whether or not I should do this, especially considering Alex's comment about the heat treating possibly harming the integrity of the wheel...

 

I purchased a set of 16" 5 spokes for my winter wheels.I painted them black with automotive enamel,3 coats of clear for a shine, mounted my snow tires. 1 huge snow storm, several ice storms and 3500 miles later they look as good as when I installed them. :smile:

 

Sweet! Thanks for the input