Powdercoating rims?

My rims are so rusted I was going to replace them with a new set of Akronts from Buchanan's, and then I saw some images of some powdercoated rims in a magazine. They were black with stainless spokes, and it was an interesting look. Has anyone done this? Any pictures? I figure these rims are bad enough to replace, what else would I do with them? Thanks!

Lots of people do it. Someone on here has black rims... can't remember if they're anodized or powdercoated though

I have a set I bought from Buchanan's that are black but they are anodized Sun rims, But my brother did a set with powdercoating that came out great. You just need to be a little more careful putting them together. But is not uncommon.

samiamiv said:

My rims are so rusted I was going to replace them with a new set of Akronts from Buchanan's, and then I saw some images of some powdercoated rims in a magazine. They were black with stainless spokes, and it was an interesting look. Has anyone done this? Any pictures? I figure these rims are bad enough to replace, what else would I do with them? Thanks!

Click to expand...

If you want to take the old rusty one you'll have to get the chrome taken off, then the rust then powdercoat them.

Yes, I like the look of black rims as well!
No, it is not my bike. :roll:

This is what it looks like when you just do spokes , hub, nipples and rim. Also not bad. Use care mounting tire.

norbsa48503 said:

Use care mounting tire.

Click to expand...

+1 I have a Ducati wheel that's all gouged up in the bead area from a trained ape taking the tire off. Powdercoating is no match for a tire iron and a moron.

Debby

samiamiv said:

My rims are so rusted I was going to replace them with a new set of Akronts from Buchanan's, and then I saw some images of some powdercoated rims in a magazine. They were black with stainless spokes, and it was an interesting look. Has anyone done this? Any pictures? I figure these rims are bad enough to replace, what else would I do with them? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I agree that the look is really nice but the guy who build my rims told me he wouldn't touch a powder coated rim as the nipples set in the powder and need constant re-tightening. Sounded a bit overcautious to me but there might be an issue.


Tim

Tintin said:

samiamiv said:

My rims are so rusted I was going to replace them with a new set of Akronts from Buchanan's, and then I saw some images of some powdercoated rims in a magazine. They were black with stainless spokes, and it was an interesting look. Has anyone done this? Any pictures? I figure these rims are bad enough to replace, what else would I do with them? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I agree that the look is really nice but the guy who build my rims told me he wouldn't touch a powder coated rim as the nipples set in the powder and need constant re-tightening. Sounded a bit overcautious to me but there might be an issue.


Tim

Click to expand...

Same problem people have been reporting with engine mounts in powdercoated frames.

I have four powder coated rims. The spokes do loosen up for a while but settle down after a bit, at least on mine.

Can you powdercoat in a metallic silver? Giving a close appearance to chrome or alunium? You know, a more natural look? Or is it just cheaper and less hassle to bite the bullet and spring for new rims? Just wondering...

I have a friend who can do about any color including close to chrome.

If yours rims are badly pitted this will still be evident after powder coating, it follows the surface of any irregularities and you cannot fill the pits with bondo as then the powder will not stick to the part during the spraying process. Powder coating works best on a surface in good basic condition, most of the coloured rims on modern bikes are anodised alloy.

I've run powder coated rims on a variety of bikes with no problems BUT for a low cost alternative you might want to try spraycan epoxy. I have used black epoxy appliance paint (anyone ever see a black refrigerator??!! Not me, but that's what the can says ) on rims, oiltanks, handle bars, gas tanks, just about anything not subject to high heat.
Costs about $5 at Home Depot or most hardware stores.
Bead or sand blast to remove rust or loose chrome. Don't use primer, just epoxy on bare metal.
Spray lightly and keep going over the whole piece until you've got good coverage. Avoid runs, it's a pain to sand and hard to second coat unless it dries for quite a long time. Dries to a hard ,glossy finish.
Try it on some junk part first to see the result, just so you will know what you're getting .
I've got a '49 Harley that I built on a budget. Had the front rim powdercoated gloss black but painted the less visable rear rim with epoxy. Rear is slightly less glossy but no one has ever noticed but me.

My understanding of epoxy spray paint is that it is a basic enamel that does not need a primer and thus can be sprayed right on bare metal. I found it not much better than plain enamel paint. Just my observation. VHT makes it and you can find it at Walmart and Homedepot too sometimes for just a few bucks for a can. I used it on my metal lawn chairs, but am not sure I would use it on the m/c except a maybe touch up.

Dave
69S

DogT said:

My understanding of epoxy spray paint is that it is a basic enamel that does not need a primer and thus can be sprayed right on bare metal. I found it not much better than plain enamel paint. Just my observation. VHT makes it and you can find it at Walmart and Homedepot too sometimes for just a few bucks for a can. I used it on my metal lawn chairs, but am not sure I would use it on the m/c except a maybe touch up.

Dave
69S

Click to expand...

I've got about 8000 miles on my bike with absolutely no problems with the Black Epoxy Appliance Paint (rear rim and hub, oil tank and various brackets and spacers. I've been using it on my bikes for 10 years or more and am very pleased with the results.
If you're just trying to save a rusted rim you'll likely be happy with the results, if not you're only out a couple bucks.