Powder Coating Rims and Parts - photoshop

[JHarris1385]

I have found what I think is a very reasonable powder coater in my local area.
$250-$275 for a full set of 4 rims and includes sandblasting and possible metallic. This will be my first powder coating exp, so I am a new newbie to the options.

What do you guys think?

My plans are to powder coat the stock 18's and throw on some 33-35 MT tires. I have never had huge problems with the offsets of other rims but I have heard it quite a few times on here that the stock rim is the best rim to use..never cared for that idea but after thinking of powder coating them I may be set on it.

For some reason I can not open "my pics" and select one to appear here. I would like to see if someone here that is good with photoshop could take the picture with my stock rims (below in sig) and do one gold, one bronze (both gearing towards the rally Subaru color) and one white (like the pearl white borbets).

I think the price sounds awesome, if it all works out right I am going to sell my Pro-comps and the 20's set and just stick with this set only.

[Triathlete]

Black chrome looks sweet also!:yeso:

[JHarris1385]

Does it sound like a good price to you?

Really needing a photoshop!

[Scott Harness]

Price is good! IIRC I paid around $300

[RickOKC]

I think it sounds like a good price, too. I paid $400 to have a set painted, but that included removing the wheels / tires, fix curb rash on one, balance & put everything back together.

[atilla_the_fun]

white on white:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/VXwheel_color.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/20969)


It doesnt look that bad. If I get home from work early, I can try to color it in the bronze.

[Riff Raff]

white on white:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/VXwheel_color.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/20969)

x2. I like the "All White"!!! Kinda' like having modern looking White Wagon Wheels in 5-spoke (instead of the traditional 8-spoke wagon wheels). Another idea would be to do a two-tone powdercoat-- for example, Red outer rim edges with White interior spokes; or maybe a Gold outer rim edge with White interior spokes. Just talk to your powdercoater guy for some ideas. A talented powdercoating shop can do some very trick and amazing things with various colors to make your VX truly stand-out. They even have "chameleon" powdercoat paint that changes to a rainbow of colors, which would be very trick on wheels.

You mentioned maybe going with 35's. The very best 35" O.D. tire size for the VX using OEM 18x7 rims is the 285/75R18. Of which there are only four(4) tires made in this rare size, and each one is unique on its own accord. They are:

285/75R18 (35" O.D.)

A. Toyo - A/T. The only AT made in this size.
B. Toyo - M/T. The only traditional-style MT in this size.
C. Maxxis - MT-762 "BigHorn". The only studdable tire in this size.
D. Good/Year - Wrangler M/T-R with Kevlar. The only asymmetrical tire in this size.

Since your VX is lifted, using the OEM 18x7 rims in conjunction with 285/75R18 (35" O.D.) size tires should be "bolt-on perfect" with little or no modification.

:bgwb:

[Triathlete]

Since your VX is lifted, using the OEM 18x7 rims in conjunction with 285/75R18 (35" O.D.) size tires should be "bolt-on perfect" with little or no modification.

:bgwb:

Um, I think he will require a good amount of trimming and BFHing!:yesy::smack:

[Ldub]

Um, I think he will require a good amount of trimming and BFHing!:yesy::smack:

That's what is commonly meant by "bolt on perfect" in the tire industry...:yesgray:.:laughing:

[JHarris1385]

This price would include mount/balance/unmount of wheel and etc.

He is roughly an hour away but I plan to make a trip to the shop here by the end of the week I hope. This guy is roughly half the price of the locals which were average $150 per wheel.

Could anyone do the gold and bronze colors? I have always for some reason liked that look on certain vehicles. The white on white for sure something different which I like. I may play around with some two tone ideas.

And I will probably stick with 33's instead!

[atilla_the_fun]

white on bronze:
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/bronze_VX_wheels.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/20974)

I prefer white on white

[Riff Raff]

The white on white for sure something different which I like. I may play around with some two tone ideas.

And I will probably stick with 33's instead!

The Gold kinda' looks like dirty wheels fresh outa' the mud hole pit that were never cleaned. The All-White looks great; but as mentioned, I bet a two-tone BRIGHT RED outer edge rim (complete outer "dish" in red) with interior WHITE spokes (with bright red Center Cap background color using a white or chrome lettered "VX" emblem on Center Cap) would look simply stunning!!! Leave the shank (sides) of the Center Caps chrome, and install some Red Anodized Lug Nuts (Gorilla Brand) for the finished look. Especially on an Ironman edition with red interior seats (color coordinated to the max).

Here are some tire O.D. options for you to consider when shopping for tires:

A. 32.59" O.D. = 285/65R18 (Common)
B. 33.16" O.D. = 275/70R18 (Common)
C. 33.71" O.D. = 285/70R18 (Toyo - M/T only)
D. 34.26" O.D. = 295/70R18 (Nitto - A/T & M/T only)
E. 34.83" O.D. = 285/75R18 (Toyo, Maxxis, Good/Year only)

:bgwb:

[atilla_the_fun]

I have a feeling that the stock rims will either only look good for you in white or stock chrome. The two-tone approach doesn't jive with the spoke pattern. The red outline would be nice on a wheel with more spokes (or fatter spokes like the FJ rims in a previous thread).
I have a busted rim in my closet, and if I ever have the energy I would like to try the black-chrome spray kit (14$) to see how it would come out. It may look nice with my Kaiser Silver.

[IndianaVX]

I wonder if just the inner half, and backside of the wheel could be done? That seem to be where all my flaking is going on. The outside face is beautiful, but look past that to the inside of the rim, it's peeling and bubbling. I would think foxfire, or black for the color on mine.....
John, is this place an hour north of you???? That would be getting close to me!

[ZEUS]

Here ya go:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/Jharris_w.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/Jharris_g.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/Jharris_b.jpg

[Grif]

Am I wrong to say I don't like any of them?

[JHarris1385]

Hum...not wrong at all. I was picturing it a little different in my head. Maybe it is the shine to them that is throwing them off. I think the MTs (treadwrights) will make a difference too.

Thanks for the photoshop job!

[jmayer40]

I didn't know they could powdercoat Aluminum rims, thought they epoxied them..Powdercoating deals with some intense heat.. melt rims?

[ZEUS]

Per mystery request (these look best on the screen from which they were created - I did tone down the chrome sheen originally but my screen at work doesn't show much of that effect):
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/Jharris_wr.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/Jharris_gr.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/515/Jharris_br.jpg

[Ldub]

IMO, & this is JUST my opinion, gold & bronze tones contrast with green, blue & black best, with red as a lesser candidate. (red & yellow are great)

White contrasts best with black, red, most shades of blue & some shades of lime green.

Lime green is total ZAP with orange...:drool:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/RMZDA3.jpg

Twiddle around with http://colorschemedesigner.com/ for some ideas...:yesgray:

Click on the "complement" icon.

[JHarris1385]

Thanks for the new photoshops! And the app.

Is there an easy step by step to do that in photoshop? I have had the program but never took the time to learn it correctly.

With all these new colors and the guy emailing me different ideas on his own too I might go a little more daring...a red or red with gold rim. I have not talked to him about a duo-color yet though but he really likes the white idea. He even offered to come to my house, bring a color packet, pick up the rims and tires, do the job and deliver for an extra $25 or a total of $300. He is about hour away!

[ZEUS]

I use Photoshop 6 which is old and basic but that is the version I learned on. I took a course a decade ago in Denver for my job. I'm sure I don't have the course materials around anymore tho.

I'm digging the white wheels with the red ring more than the other options here. I'd like to see it with the bigger meats but I am too busy here at the office.

[Triathlete]

Powder coating does not involve high heat. A lot of do it yourselfers use their kitchen oven to do small parts (including wheels)...unless you have one hellofan oven I don't see it melting aluminum.:bwgy:

[Ldub]

Powder coating does not involve high heat. A lot of do it yourselfers use their kitchen oven to do small parts (including wheels)...unless you have one hellofan oven I don't see it melting aluminum.:bwgy:

X2

most powder coating is cured between 4-500 F, aluminium melts somewhere in the neighborhood (depending upon alloys) of 1200 f.

[Riff Raff]

I'm digging the white wheels with the red ring more than the other options here. I'd like to see it with the bigger meats but I am too busy here at the office.

x2!!! The White wheels with Red Ring looks amazing!!! It definately compliments the Ironman color scheme. With Red background Center Caps, it would be total bad@ss.

I guess there could be two(2) versions using the White & Red color scheme:

A. As Zeus pictured, White with Red "RING". Outer edge in Red.
B. White with Red "OUTER DISH". Complete "rim dish" of wheel in Red with White interior spokes.

Thanx for your talent, Zeus!!!

:bgwb:

[Scott Harness]

Powder coating does not involve high heat. A lot of do it yourselfers use their kitchen oven to do small parts (including wheels)...unless you have one hellofan oven I don't see it melting aluminum.:bwgy:

It WILL melt your center caps.We "experimented" with ONE of mine.Did not come out well! lol

[Riff Raff]

It WILL melt your center caps.We "experimented" with ONE of mine.Did not come out well! lol

Nah, don't make it harder than it has to be. The Center Caps themselves would NOT be powdercoated. For modifying the colored center portion of the Center Caps; i.e.-- Red background with White/Chrome "VX" logo, a precision-cut "vinyl decal" would be best!!!

Just visit your local signage company like "SIGNS NOW" (see your local Yellow Pages), and they can make a perfect size stick-on vinyl decal complete with colored background & VX logo emblazened on top. Simple; no muss, no fuss.

Then get "Gorilla" brand anodized Red lug nuts for the finished touch!!!

:bgwb:

[JHarris1385]

Red lug nuts...now you are talking. I am starting to lean more towards that color combo now.

I initially wanted a black rims as I think those look great on the VX but since the black rim is so popular now, I began these ideas. I think the white rim is a pretty rare site.

Below were the two Ballistic rims I first considered.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/wheels/ballistic/product/byName.do?tmn=Jester&typ=Truck

http://www.rimslegend.com/Ballistic+Enigma+813---ballistic-enigma-813

But I am pretty set on the idea of utilizing the stock rim.
I think to make it look right you would need to match the white of the VX as close as possible. Or a RED rim with a white rim/inlay.

[ZEUS]

I looked at Ballistic rims for a while and ended up reading they have poor finishes that chip or flake. Just fyi.

[Mile High VX]

These might just do it...:bgwo::bgwb::bwgy::smilewink

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/20-Red-Spline-Tuner-Lug-Nut-12x1-5-mm-Wheels-Gorilla-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem41598c6dbeQQitemZ28067 5249598QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

[Grif]

Hum...not wrong at all. I was picturing it a little different in my head. Maybe it is the shine to them that is throwing them off. I think the MTs (treadwrights) will make a difference too.

I love the look of bronze rims, IMHO a great choice, very distinctive. However the stock rims colored bronze would not cut it.

Also I think you'll like the Treadwright M/T Guard Dog tires. I'm still very impressed with mine and have been asked more than once about what tires to get by clients and other curious types. I tell them "treadwright.com" before I mention that no, my tires really are not technically brand new, not really 100% BFG M/T's, and when I tell them the approx price they are practically sold on the concept already just on looks and my opinion. You won't find a better deal on a really great set of shoes IMHO.

[Riff Raff]

These might just do it...:bgwo::bgwb::bwgy::smilewink

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/20-Red-Spline-Tuner-Lug-Nut-12x1-5-mm-Wheels-Gorilla-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem41598c6dbeQQitemZ28067 5249598QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries

Hmmm, buying lug nuts from eBay might not be the safest move. Besides the link shown mentions "Gorilla", but I couldn't verify if they were actually Gorilla brand from the auction site. It appears to be a scam. Further; there are only 20 lug nuts in this eBay auction, when you'll actually need a total of 24 (6 x 4 = 24).

For Gorilla brand Red anodized lug nuts, it would be best to visit the official website of www.Gorilla-Auto.com and purchase them from a reputable authorized dealer such as www.SummitRacing.com which carries their entire line of products. I wouldn't trust the safety of my ride with some bogus eBay "clone" copies. Just saying...........

:bgwb:

[JHarris1385]

Hey Grif have you seen Mbeach's gallery? He has some Nissan bronze rims that I think look pretty good.

Another one of my friends took my advice and got tread wright's on his jeep and loves them. Now I just need them after all this recommending. What size are yours again?

[Cobrajet]

I like the red stripe, too, and that's what I did to my stock Mustang rims almost 20 years ago. No need to make it permanent either. All I used was 3M auto pinstriping left over from my side trim.

http://home.comcast.net/~gregg.north/Mustang_wheel.jpg

I think it complements the trim well.

http://home.comcast.net/~gregg.north/Mustang03.jpg

[Grif]

What size are yours again?

285/75/16 Guard Dogs load E range. (overkill)

[pbkid]

Please forgive the ghetto fabrication job, but all i have is microsoft 'paint'.

if the powdercoater can do detail, how about accenting the edge of each spoke like the back wheel?

Or, if you want more subtle, how about pinstripe the 'groove thing' (i dont know what else to call it) on each spoke???

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3206/Jharris_wr1.jpg