D-Uber Cars

Two plus years later and my gloss black powder coated street wheels still look nice. They are forged Champion RS 98's. Boils down to prep and correct temp in which to cure. With that being said, have experienced better luck with powder coat vs. (correctly prepped) painted wheels.

MarkD

There is a slow cure process for PC that is safe for wheels. Lower temp... I think 250F, but don't quote me on that.

BBS is likely being conservative in their statement. I can understand why.

AllanJ

Even if there is no issues with the oven baking procedure for PC, I still want to see a crack ASAP. PC makes that more difficult.

Aerokitted

Bit the bullet and dropped off the ride at a trusted local shop to paint the Champion wheels. I will be having them farm out the white pinstripe job to a specialist.

Powder coating is durable, but doesn't get the shiny factory black gloss like paint can. I understand also that there are various types of paints for different applications so will be looking for the more durable mix for said wheels and with such little surface area, swirls shouldn't be too much of an issue especially for my street GT3.

I wonder if the factory tequipment group does anything special with their wheel paint process?

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I do appreciate them a great deal.

Turn3 Autosport

As others have said the best is to use a low temp PC. They are just as durable and you don't run the risk of getting the aluminum to a heat where grain scruture is changed.

As for powder coating hiding cracks, that all depends on how thick it is layed on, same as paint. Some PC gun operators are good and some are not, same as paint gun operators. All of that said, a PC will still hide a crack a little more, so be careful in your inpsections.

Of course, remember if you track your car, your wheels are part of your "nut and bolt" procedure each time you do it......



Cheers

Aerokitted

Why did Porsche opt to go with paint v. pc?

MarkD

simpler process, less cost?
just educated guess

both are viable

Turn3 Autosport

Likely what Mark said above. Also it depends on the logistics of the company manufacturing the wheels and their own set up and abiltity to get the color correct.

Cheers

Aerokitted

Just want to confirm the obvious... I should have the shop NOT paint the area where the wheel meets the hub, right? Anything else I should clearly lay out for them? Thanks!

MarkD

correct
or the lug seats

both should go nekkid

Aerokitted

Semi update

A Porsche mag advertising wheel refinishing company told me that 99% or basically all wheels from manufacturers (BBS, Ronal, Speedline, OZ), powder coat paint their wheels v. wet painting them which runs counter to what some have purported (Porsche wet paints their wheels).

Aerokitted

Day 14 sans GT3

Paint shop is having some issues with the clear coat they're using. The wait sucks. I guess the Y spoke Champion wheels are a bit tricky to paint right with all the sharp edges. Anyone ever paint their wheels before at a high end shop?

I've used these guys for nearly a decade and they're known to take their time, but nearly 20 days of work for four wheels has got to be a new record.

Jon70

I have painted Champion RS98s. Over time, these wheels have started chipping. Nothing terrible or unexpected. When/if I redo them, I will go with a low temp powdercoat.

P.J.S.

just had my RS98 powdercoated glossy black -- have not had them mounted yet -- but they are at the shop and will be mounted next week when I get back from the track. they are as glossy as the factory gloss paint... I will post some pics when I get it squared away

sin911

I just had my HRE P40's powder coated satin black. They look great