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Wheel Painting - Powder Coating

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 4:09 pm
by julian
We haven't covered this for a while, so, can anyone recommeded places within say 100 miles of London where I can get wheels (sand blasted?) and powder coated (black).

Are there any alternative methods?

How much would you expect to pay for such a job.

Cheers

Julian

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 4:25 pm
by Gromit
I had my rear wheel done at a place named Sprayblast Engineering in High Wycombe. Cost about 40 quid and they did a good job.

I'd tend to go for a more motorcycle-specific powder-coaters next time though as they didn't mask off the disc mounting holes and was a right b*gger to clean out the threads. The front wheel would obviously need the bearings removing aswell.

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 5:31 pm
by crucial
Julian, I had my wheels done by these guys [url]http://www.vulcanshotblasting.com/contacts.htm
[url] I think it was about £60 for the pair and they do mask off the disc mountings and bearing holes.

They're in deepest, darkest Basildon.

Paul.

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 5:44 pm
by Gromit
crucial wrote:Julian, I had my wheels done by these guys [url]http://www.vulcanshotblasting.com/contacts.htm
[url] I think it was about £60 for the pair and they do mask off the disc mountings and bearing holes.

They're in deepest, darkest Basildon.

Paul.
Nice one Paul - been after somewhere that'll do the prep work :)

Richard (who's also getting black wheels) :)

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 7:20 pm
by Boxadog 2000
Just to reiterate my views powder coating it is bollocks its a process designed for retail furniture and internal steel work.

Dont do it have two pack epoxy it is a much more durable coating and actually adheres to the substrate unlike powder coating which just envelopes the substrate.

Local firm on the Slough Trading Estate you know my number.

Bob

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 7:50 pm
by boxerpan
Boxadog 2000 wrote:Just to reiterate my views powder coating it is bollocks its a process designed for retail furniture and internal steel work.


Bob
Succinct as ever - don't beat around the bush, say what you really think :)
PS: I agree with you on this one Bob.

Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 8:06 pm
by adamski49
Not srtictly true Bob. There are plenty of polyester powder coated (PPC) aluminium flashings and fascias throughout the country that are more than up to the worst of Britains weather (I've detailed enough of the bloody things) and I've never heard of it flaking or peeling off unless something went badly wrong in the coating process - cue big claims and replacement materials.

In the event of a problem (coating or poor finish) it's invariably cheaper to replace the mill finish alumnium rather than re-coat the existing material 'cos it's such a bastard to get off. For some bizarre reason the most durable finish is actually matt.

Having said all that I'd have to see an aged, weathered sample of a powder coated wheel to convince myself to go down that route rather than the two pack epoxy you mention.

EDIT - Just to qualify that last paragraph. PPC varies in quality from a weak finish that can be easily marked (still acceptable on a building if it's out of the way) through to hard stuff used on aluminium windows, e.g. any of the new developments in London with coloured windows (a lot of dark grey about at the moment). Hence, personally, I'd like to see a sample before making a decision.

Adam :)

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:05 am
by julian
Thanks Chaps

How is the paint applied to the stock wheels?

Bob - with the 2-pack will they sandblast/prepare the wheels as well?
Is there any heat involved (will I have not have to remove the front bearings?) Can you send me their details - I might pay them a visit as they are local.

Julian

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 11:45 am
by crucial
This is the second time I've had wheels powdercoated and I'm pretty sure the finish will last as long as I have the bike.

I have in the past been quoted £250 :shock: for painting wheels. I could have them powdercoated 4 times for that.

Also, as I use my bike every day to commute the turn around was One day, which is an important factor to consider. I would agree that a painted finish is probably better, but my wheels are glossy and black and thats all I wanted :D

Ps. I could try and post a picture of my wheels with six months / 13k miles on 'em if anyones interested.

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 12:49 pm
by julian
crucial wrote: Ps. I could try and post a picture of my wheels with six months / 13k miles on 'em if anyones interested.
Go on then. Don't you have the Kellerman indicators as well?

Cheers

Julian

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 3:41 pm
by crucial
I did have the kellerman indicators, but they don't like wet weather much :roll:

My wheels are filthy at the moment but I'll give them a wash tomorrow and try to post some pics. :)

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:36 pm
by gus
I,ve had mine powder coated foe about 4 years now.Had em done satin black.No chips or marks and come real nice with a wipeover wd40/rag.
Crucial
What was the problem with the kellermanns and wet weather.Have just bought some and i use my bike all year round,so i dont want problems.
Were yours the billet led ones?
gus

Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 5:55 pm
by crucial
Hi Gus, my kellermans were the tiny ally ones with halogen bulbs in. When it rained they filled with water and the lamp bases corroded so badly that you couldn't get the bulbs out :x

I've got the motrax led ones now, which seem to be holding up well :D

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Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 3:21 pm
by crucial
Have added pics above. Didn't have time to give her a really good clean.

Paul :)

Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 3:51 pm
by sandbar
NICE HUGGER!!

Sandbar