wire wheels - paint or powder?

[PeterC]

Getting ready for paint on wire wheels - heard powder coat gives a harder and more complete coating - would appreciate pros and cons for both paint and powder coat. Thanks

[Lawson Cox]

My Kelseys are powder coated. I prefer it on the wires because it gives a more complete and evenly distributed covering. My 2 ¢

[Frank The Plumber]

If I could I would powder them, it's more durable.

[Flathead Fever]

Depends on if they have rust pits or not. Powder paint won't make the pits go away and they will end up looking terrible. A couple coats of epoxy primer will fill in the pits but your fingers will be bleeding by the time your done sanding spokes. I bead blasted and primed a set of Kelseys last year that had slight pitting. I just about went insane sanding spokes for a week. I swore that the next set of wire wheels will not have any rust pits. What ever I have to pay to get nicer rims it will be worth it!

You need to use spacer plates with '35 Ford or Kelsey rims on early Ford Hydraulic brakes (unless you have '35 Ford rear drums which support the hub). If you use '40 to '48 drums you will need these spacers. I tack welded mine to the rims before I primered them. Without these spacers there is nothing to support the center of the hub and it will bend when you tighten the lug nuts. You keep tightening the lug nuts and they never seem to bottom out and stop.

Jerry

[Joe/Ct]

I have read elsewhere on the Model A forum that powder coated wheels, if they chip, are difficult to repair. This is especially important around the lug holes when you go to tighten the nuts.

You may want to do a search on the "A" forum.

[Lawrie]

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Before you put the lug nuts on you sand the paint off in the taper were they seat.Lawrie

[JM 35 Sedan]

I have had three sets of '35 wires powder coated because I could not keep them looking good when painted. I'm sold on powder coating. I probably will not live long enough to worry about having to do them again. They sure look good! JMO

[Rem]

If they're perfectly clean, and are pre-treated (phosphated, etc.) then a good quality powder-coating will stay looking good for a long time.

[Mike34]

I did two sets with powder coating. I think that it is the best way to go. Make sure that they are good and clean before you drop them off at your local coating shop.

[sturgis 39]

Originally Posted by Joe/Ct

I have read elsewhere on the Model A forum that powder coated wheels, if they chip, are difficult to repair. This is especially important around the lug holes when you go to tighten the nuts.

You may want to do a search on the "A" forum.

I powder coated my my wheels. I bent one and had it straightened. The powder coating withstood this plus a change of tires. They still look good.

The local powder coated said he could heat them up and the powder coating will turn liquid. I do not remember the temperature. He would not powder coat engine parts because of the temperature.