Anodized wheels question
02-08-2012, 09:17 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Anodized wheels question
Anyone have experience with anodizing their wheels rather than powder coating? I am concerned about PC because of the heat cycle weakening, and I understand that Hardcoat Type III anodizing is superior to PC for aluminum wheels. I am largely clueless on this, but am concerned about refinishing 2-part Kinesis wheels. I need to have chrome removed from the centers and want them black, which means:
(a) PC
(b) Painting
(c) Black anodizing
The anodizing should improve strength I understand.
Could use some experience reports.
Thanks
(a) PC
(b) Painting
(c) Black anodizing
The anodizing should improve strength I understand.
Could use some experience reports.
Thanks
02-08-2012, 11:46 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
I've never had my wheels anodized, but Fikse offers a "race satin" anodization for their wheels. This is what I have on both sets of my Fikses. It's super durable, looks great and is (relatively) easy to keep clean.
02-08-2012, 12:40 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
That's possible and if true makes anodized a good alternative to powder coating. I would never buy painted rims which are prone to damage by careless tire installers.
A set of CCW's I saw on Pelican attracted my attention until I saw some high rez pics and the purple discoloration. They were several years old and would have made great track rims. The Kinesis anodized finish always seems to look good.
A set of CCW's I saw on Pelican attracted my attention until I saw some high rez pics and the purple discoloration. They were several years old and would have made great track rims. The Kinesis anodized finish always seems to look good.
02-08-2012, 03:12 PM
#6
Seared
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02-08-2012, 03:43 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
The aluminum anodization process creates both a deposition and penetration layer of aluminum oxide that is harder than the base aluminum. It makes the the surface less prone to crack propogation and inhibits corrosion. There are different processes which determine the hardness and thickness of the aluminum oxide layer. The aluminum oxide is relatively pourous so will take a color dye during the process.
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02-08-2012, 03:59 PM
#8
As the OP, I have heard stories of powder coating having an effect on wheel strength. I wouldn't think that the temperatures involved would be high enough. Does anyone here know for sure?
02-08-2012, 04:59 PM
#9
Rennlist Member
Generally, if the place you have coat your parts use a chemical strip process, do a thorough inspection of the stripped wheel, and their oven controller monitors part temps, your wheel structure will be okay.
02-08-2012, 10:22 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Thx hoggel ... that's what I understood. BTW, several anodizing shops have told me that color anodizing will fade in sunlight. Hence the purplish look of black over time. Decided to PC the centers and keep the mounting surfaces free of any paint. Thanks all for the input.
02-18-2012, 08:29 AM
#11
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The aluminum anodization process creates both a deposition and penetration layer of aluminum oxide that is harder than the base aluminum. It makes the the surface less prone to crack propogation and inhibits corrosion. There are different processes which determine the hardness and thickness of the aluminum oxide layer. The aluminum oxide is relatively pourous so will take a color dye during the process.
04-11-2012, 10:47 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
anodizing wheels does not weaken the structure of the wheel.
However, I hear that anodizing does not like heat and therefore, if you track your wheels, they might fade prematurely.
I am currently having a set of BBS E88's anodized and will report back as soon as they are finished. I disassembled the wheels today and took the centers to the stripper. $35 per wheel for a chemical bath and a powerwash. No Heat and no abrasives will be used in taking the paint off.
I'm then taking the centers to Jenco Anodizing to have them anodized gold. I'm crossing my fingers for a great turnout.
However, I hear that anodizing does not like heat and therefore, if you track your wheels, they might fade prematurely.
I am currently having a set of BBS E88's anodized and will report back as soon as they are finished. I disassembled the wheels today and took the centers to the stripper. $35 per wheel for a chemical bath and a powerwash. No Heat and no abrasives will be used in taking the paint off.
I'm then taking the centers to Jenco Anodizing to have them anodized gold. I'm crossing my fingers for a great turnout.
Last edited by RAudi Driver; 05-11-2012 at 07:57 PM.
04-11-2012, 11:31 PM
#13
Race Car
Raw or anodized would be my choice.
I had a set of 3 piece wheels that had the centers painted, ran them at the track regularly, and inspected them regularly as well. Wanted a change of color, stripped off the paint only to find a crack almost through one of the spokes, the crack was completely covered by the paint on the wheel.
I had a set of 3 piece wheels that had the centers painted, ran them at the track regularly, and inspected them regularly as well. Wanted a change of color, stripped off the paint only to find a crack almost through one of the spokes, the crack was completely covered by the paint on the wheel.
04-12-2012, 04:35 PM
#14
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anodizing wheels does not weaken the structure of the wheel. It's a cold bath so no heat is introduced.
However, I hear that anodizing does not like heat and therefore, if you track your wheels, they might fade prematurely.
I am currently having a set of BBS E88's anodized and will report back as soon as they are finished. I disassembled the wheels today and took the centers to the stripper. $35 per wheel for a chemical bath and a powerwash. No Heat and no abrasives will be used in taking the paint off.
I'm then taking the centers to Jenco Anodizing to have them anodized gold. I'm crossing my fingers for a great turnout.
However, I hear that anodizing does not like heat and therefore, if you track your wheels, they might fade prematurely.
I am currently having a set of BBS E88's anodized and will report back as soon as they are finished. I disassembled the wheels today and took the centers to the stripper. $35 per wheel for a chemical bath and a powerwash. No Heat and no abrasives will be used in taking the paint off.
I'm then taking the centers to Jenco Anodizing to have them anodized gold. I'm crossing my fingers for a great turnout.
.
04-12-2012, 05:28 PM
#15
Three Wheelin'
as far as cracking as others mentioned above,
I spoke with someone at Fikse a while back about using certain cleaners on the anodized wheels, and this person told me not to clean the anodized part with anything you would not use on your car paint
I spoke with someone at Fikse a while back about using certain cleaners on the anodized wheels, and this person told me not to clean the anodized part with anything you would not use on your car paint