Aluminum Wheels - Can they be powder coated?

[jlrray]

I've got some American Racing aluminum wheels which don't have any noticable pitting, but they've got some of that 'aluminum oxidation' thing going... Can they be cleaned up and powdercoated black? I'd hate to buy new wheels just for the sake of color. ( I would... its just that I'm broke) Can it be done or is it a bad idea?

[Ford_6L_E350]

Sure, they can be powdercoated, as can nearly anything that will conduct electricity and stand up to 400 degrees baking temps.

First, they get washed to remove greases and oils (some places simply bake them to burn it off), then they get beadblasted to clean them of any other surface contaminants, then the powder is electrostatically applied and baked on.

Mike

[Switchfoot]

I urge caution and talk to somebody who really knows whether this is safe. It may depend on whether your wheels are cast or forged and what temp they bake the powdercoat materials. Some types of aluminum can change properties at 400 degrees (typical powdercoat bake temp) and become brittle and crack. Could be a dangerous situation with a heavy van.

I thought SMB stopped selling a certain wheel that had been powdercoated black because of structural issues. I'm sure you could call them.