My understanding is that powder coating some cast aluminum wheels has led to weakening of the rim. I am wondering if there has been any issues with members here that have powder coated the FD RX-7 rims. I have a set of the reinforced rims which I was planning to have coated, but I won't do it if it's going to affect the integrity of the aluminum casting.
Any feedback?

 

*bump for some input*

 

Are these stock FD wheels?

 

Yes, the reinforced version.

 

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.c...151053&page=10

 

All very interesting stuff, thanks for the link. I was hoping that it would lead into a discussion of low-temp powder that I have heard about. Apparently it cures at 200*...

 

I'm considering doing this to some of my wheels as well. The company I'm looking at using does, in fact, have pretty stringent measures in place (cure oven within +-10 degrees @ 200) and will be using a lower temp curing process for cast wheels. Considering the info from that post from eng-tips.com, it looks like they have a clue. If you need their info, let me know.

 

Well I can't find anyone locally that will even acknowledge the need for low temp coating so I'm scrapping the powdercoat idea and opting for paint. Rims will be bead blasted first and then I'll go from there.

 

I just read a couple of articles about this on powdercoating forums. Cooking the rim wont have any effect on the metal. The thing will probably only see, at most 400F for an hour with outgassing and actually curing. I use 400f only for my high temp powder. Some can even cure at 350.

One article said that you would need to get up to 600f to do any damage.

 

Ended up sending them to the paint shop after sand blasting. I'm happy with the results...

 

they look great