I have never had wheels powder coated before and not sure if it is worth powder coating the stock GSR wheels (I love the style) or get some other that have the same style. I am looking at the OZ Superturismo.

I know buying new wheels will probably be more expensive but it will be more convenient as I don't know how I can get the wheels to the powder coater. I have no place to keep the car with no wheels.

Anybody else been through a similar situation? Anybody in the Southern California area know of a "full service" powder coater than can remove the wheels and tires as well has keep the car on their lift while they are powder coating?

As far as the wheels, I did a search but I am wading though a lot of wheels that aren't what I want. Anybody have experience with wheels that are somewhat the same style as stock but already matte/flat black with an offset that is good for the Evo x? I am guessing it's best to stick with 18" from what I have read.

Thanks in advance

 

Sorry I'm not in the SoCal area so I can't help you out with that, but I can tell you its completely worth it to have them powder coated, I did it to my stock rims and they're better than perfect a year later. I took my wheels off @ home and then brought them to a shop to have the tires taken off...unfortunately my car had to sit in bricks for a few days but it was worth it

 

Thanks for the info. My problem is there is no way I can leave it where I am. I don't have use of the garage and it's one of those association neighborhoods where even having the wrong color car may get you fines. (exaggerating a little there, but there is no way they will allow the car to sit out there on bricks)

 

What would you know, I call a million powder coating places over the last week and none of them will store the car and after I post this I call one place, Metal Works Place and they will do EVERYTHING for 75 a wheel, including mounting a balancing. Now I need to get the nerve to leave my car someplace for a few days. 2 day turnaround, which seems fast as the other places said 4 to 5 days so I am hoping its the same quality. And cheaper. the others wanted 90 a wheel and that was for the wheel brought in with no tire. When it seems too cheap I get a little worried.

 

Sounds like a great deal, but I would never trust leaving my car somewhere for that long.

See if you can leave your car at a friends house and ask them if they could come take the wheels from you.

 

I have that same concern, and even more so because if the place is where I think it is, the area isn't all that great. Unless they keep it locked up inside a building or something. I am going to drive by tomorrow to check it out. Actually found another place that will do it same day but they want 460 for all four. Drop the car off in the morning and pick it up that evening. May be a better option if I want to pay that much more for same day service.

 

Great thread! Also my favorite view.

 

Does anyone have some pics of their powder coated stock rims?

 

I understand your challenge of needing a quick turnaround, but choose carefully. The wheels can become brittle if baked at too high a temperature and crack under stress. Make sure you are dealing with someone that knows what they are doing.

 

Thanks for the advice. The more expensive shop that has 1 day turn around has a lot of positive reviews so I may pay the extra and go with them. Seems pretty reputable so hopefully they will stand behind their work.

 

Dosen't powedercoating only last a little while before it chips or needs a re-coating?

 

No, actually looking back, a long time ago I had my old Land Rover wheels powered coated black. They were the steel spares. I used them for off road use a lot and they were in pretty good condition when I sold the car. They never chipped. Maybe scratched a little hitting rocks but I don't recall any chipping. Better than paint from what I remember.

 

I would buy the lightweight BBS forged wheels and have them powder coated instead. Actually, now that I think about it, I do have a set available in my garage if you're interested

 

Powdercoated wheels have more durability than painted wheels. The reason being that powder coatings are applied with an electrostatic charge to the surface of the metal. This gives a thicker coating to the wheel.

 

Glad someone new the process... I was about to say:

"Put your LF wheel in the powder and shake it all about...
Do the Hokey-pokey and flip the power switch on till it bakes all out..

Put your RF wheel in the powder and shake it all about...."