I just ordered a CR/b 2006 S with the sport option addition of the 17" R98 Web Spoke 2 piece wheel. I've been planning on buying an aftermarket set of wheels for my new ride, and although I haven't decided which set of wheels to go with, I do know that they MUST be black or gunmetal! I've seen many Chili Red w/ black roof Minis out there with black wheels, and i LOVE them! I've always loved gunmetal and black wheels, my BMW 2002 has black 320i turbine wheels and it looks fantastic.
SO, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with painting wheels, becasue i think the Web Spokes that are coming with my Mini would look amazing if painted black, with the studs that connect the two peices of the rim left silver. Has anyone ever had thier wheels painted? How much does it usually cost, how does it look, is this a common occurence... PLEASE share your experiences and knowledge with me.... drop some science...


Ryan

 

I definately wouldnt paint the rims- painting them does give you a little more option as far as the level of gloss, however, it wont last long on your rims, no matter how good the paint job is.

Between road debris, rocks and other junk flying from and at your wheels they will chip and flake easily. :impatient

I definately reccommend having them powder coated black- the powder coating will probably cost you about the same and look just as good and last ten times as long. If you shop for a bit, you can prolly find a place) professional) that will powder coat them for around $100 a rim or less- if you do all for at a time they might cut you a break.

Im actually gonna do SSR Comps on my MCS when I get it, and I am planning to powder coat 'em black as well- Blacked Out Rules!!

 

I just had a new set of Kosie K-1 TS powdercoated in white for $40.00 per wheel. They came out great.

 

Any pictures available?

 

I'll try to take some in couple of days. Then try to figure out how to post them here

 

If you powder coat a hi tech wheel like SSR's please use a cold or ultra violet light setting. SSr's are T6, and if you bake them you will reverse this rating.

Alex

 

Thanks Alex, thats good info. Any problem baking powdercoat on the Kosie K-1 TS? They were baked @ 375 degrees for 45 min. The shop that did them said it looked like the Kosie paint was baked on at the factory. Any idea if thats correct?

 

Any advice on powder coating the R98 Web Spoke wheels?


Thanks....

 

ts's have been t6' ed

Alex

 

OK What does that mean

 

K1 TS has been heat treated (T6 rating)

Alex

 

Thanks Alex. I thought that is what you meant. What I was asking, how much have the wheels been weakend by powdercoating and, could they be considered unsafe?

 

Unsafe? doubtfull.

No longer strenrth certified to T6, absolutely!

Alex

 

Alex: Thanks again, helpful as always. Have done some very minor research. Talked to several well known rim repair/powdercoating companys that have powdercoated probably thousands of wheels with no problems with wheel failures. It seems like most all powders don't melt/adhear until a minimum temp of 340 degrees, some powders as high as 360 degrees. One company, that I used, heats the product (wheels in my case) in oven at 375. The other I spoke with does 390. Both said that temp of the wheel will have to be the same regardless if heated in large oven, small oven or infrared process... powder won't melt and adhear to wheel if wheel is not at least 340 degrees so, to be safe, they use 375 to 390 degrees.
Neither one could tell me the effect this may have on wheels rated T6, but both said they have never heard of a failure and, many are used in competition applications.
While this does make me feel a bit better, I sure would welcome input from others who may have more knowledge in this area.

 

No one has any additional info?