[Manxman]

I would like to powder coat my LSS wheels black. I have read numerous threads re the pros and cons of powder coating vs anodizing, most of which were dated several years ago. I was left with a concern regarding the effect of the temperature used to cure the paint on the integrity of the wheel - 400 degrees F being typical, which is above the temp range recommended by the Lotus wheel supplier. I don't want to risk compromising the strength or shape of the wheel.
I would appreciate any feedback if others have had similar concerns and resolved them. Thanks.

 

[jmiesse]

Powdercoat...no issues... 400 seems a bit high. I thought mine were baked around 300. But I could be wrong. The place I went to specialized in pcoating wheels. I would recommend going to a wheel specialist for pcoat

 

[craracer]

I've media blasted and bead blasted the rims on my race bike twice (once to have them painted, which didn't hold up. And again to have them powder coated).

4 seasons of racing on them (since coating) with tire changes at almost every weekend and they still look fantastic. I guess it would depend upon the ability/skills of the people you have do your work. The folks I use are fantastic.

 

[25psi_Elise_Killer]

I had 1 rim recently cracked after going thru powder coating for the 2nd time:
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f91/powdercoated-gramlights-57s-wheels-40825/index2.html#post1135915

Not sure if its due to being tossed in the oven for a second time or just from rim failure from being tracked on.

 

[Scott]

Has anyone put a powder coated LSS wheel on the scale after being done? You might be surprised at how much weight it adds.

 

[IamBatman]

typically A356-T6(cast wheels) and 6061-T6(forged wheels) aluminum are aged around the same (or lower) temperature as the curing temp of powder coating, so yes it could reduce the fatigue life of the wheels. I wouldn't do it.

 

[jmiesse]

Has anyone put a powder coated LSS wheel on the scale after being done? You might be surprised at how much weight it adds.

So.... share your thoughts.

 

[Bane]

typically A356-T6(cast wheels) and 6061-T6(forged wheels) aluminum are aged around the same (or lower) temperature as the curing temp of powder coating, so yes it could reduce the fatigue life of the wheels. I wouldn't do it.

It was this + the added weight that kept me away from powdercoating.

I did a DIY paint job on my wheels and have been extremely happy with it

 

[amazingjason]

Any more updates? Powder coating the lss wheels seems common and it appears that none have failed as a result.

Jason

 

[jds62f]

This is a really old thread, but I wouldn't powder coat forged wheels. If powder coating is so awesome, why didn't it get done at the factory? I don't think rays does it either...

I realize people do in fact get it done and are fine. The majority of wheels aren't forged and thus won't have a problem with the process. It seems like a good chunk of Lotus cars are driven by grannies and any wheels that have reduced strength are probably acceptable for people who drive the car like its glass.

Is the guy who does this going to guarantee his work? Probably not, and even if he did, probably hard to prove the refinish caused an issue. Caveat Emptor.

 

[IamBatman]

Any more updates? Powder coating the lss wheels seems common and it appears that none have failed as a result.

Jason

People have given a valid engineering reason for not powder coating. Why would anyone risk weakening such a critical part of your car? You can probably powder coat your 22" dubs on your donk to cruise for chicks, but for our cars that will regular see high cornering forces, why would you risk it? As pointed out before, the process affect fatigue life. Just because you don't see failures now doesn't mean they won't fail in the future. (for the record, someone in the beginning of the thread stated their powder coated wheels cracked.)

 

[amazingjason]

People have given a valid engineering reason for not powder coating. Why would anyone risk weakening such a critical part of your car? You can probably powder coat your 22" dubs on your donk to cruise for chicks, but for our cars that will regular see high cornering forces, why would you risk it? As pointed out before, the process affect fatigue life. Just because you don't see failures now doesn't mean they won't fail in the future. (for the record, someone in the beginning of the thread stated their powder coated wheels cracked.)

I'm interested in purchasing a set that has been powder coated. Consensus here is that powder coated lss wheels are ruined, dangerous, and worthless?

Jason

 

[IamBatman]

On a car that will sit in a garage forever and once in a while gets driven to your weekend cars and coffee, its probably ok. I personally would not touch it with a 10 ft pole because it is always going to be in the back of my mind every time I drive, if there's a crack brewing underneath that pretty powdercoat. Bad things happen when these 4 round things fail.

 

[IamBatman]

hmmm I see that someone's response was deleted.

Here are a few links to chew on. The process affects the LIFETIME of the parts: and how much it reduces the life of the part can not be predicted. Just because they are ok after X number of track sessions doesn't mean they are fine for your next session. AL parts are designed with finite lifetime for cyclic stress, powder coating curing process thows those calculations out the window.

Eng-Tips: Metal and Metallurgy engineering - Aluminum wheel failure after powder coating?

Aluminum wheel failure after powder coating? - S2KI Honda S2000 Forums

 

[R4Racin]

I see these inquiries and answes based on scientific evidence, but no one ever seems to equate powdercoang a wheel at even temps of the entire wheel of 300-400 degrees with hard driving temps from braking that far exceed those thresholds and are not nearly as uniform throughout the wheel.

 

[IamBatman]

The heat transmitted from brakes are hotter in the center sections of the wheel which typically beefier and only under compression. Where wheels crack are at the spokes which never get very hot because it's far from heat source and gets a ton of air flow cooling. Do you have data on how hot a wheel gets under track conditions?