Painting Wood Wheels

[Stretch Cab]

I have my wood wheels apart and am getting ready to paint them. Is it best to assemble them prior to painting or paint the spokes and rims separately and then re-assemble?

[trainguy]

Originally Posted by Stretch Cab

I have my wood wheels apart and am getting ready to paint them. Is it best to assemble them prior to painting or paint the spokes and rims separately and then re-assemble?

I believe it would be difficult if not almost impossible to assemble preprinted parts without seriously damaging the paint. Phil

[2manycars]

When I restored a Franklin, I took the wheels apart, sanded each spoke separatly, and stapled a wire in the end of each spoke. I then dipped each spoke in varnish 3 coats, and hung them to dry between coats. I painted the felloes and hubs and assembled the wheels. I suspect you could do the same with black paint on each spoke. I used a piece of 2-1/2 exhaust pipe welded to a plate of steel for my varnish (or paint) container. It did not need much in the tube to coat the spoke as it was lowered into the tube, and withdrawn. After a few spokes, it needed more varnish to be added, but there was very little waste. I still have that tool in the barn, and if you were closer, I would give it to you.

[redmodelt]

To put it in prospective, the assemble wheel was dipped in a vat of paint then spun at the factory. The wood between the hub, plate and between the spokes was/is not painted. Depending on what paint and how thick it is, when you press the hub and spokes together into the rim chances are if the rim is painted it will chip. If you can put the hub and spokes back in the rim with out pressing them together, they are too loose to use anyway.

[Steve Jelf]

I've painted wheels both ways, assembled and apart. Either way is fine. When I painted all the parts separately and assembled them, damage to the paint was insignificant. It was easy to touch up a couple of tiny nicks. I doubt that anyone could find them now without close inspection with a magnifying glass. I didn't paint the parts of the spokes that fit together. A little overspray on those parts presented no problem in assembly.

[TnA]

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what brand of dump rake did you use for drying rack lol

[15max]

A slow drying paint that has some flexibility will not chip during installation. It will also last longer as it flexes with the wood. Hard drying paints will chip during assembly and during use. I like to put either primer or paint on all the surfaces before assembly. I have well used wheels painted 40 plus years ago with enamel paint that have little perceptible chipping.

[Stretch Cab]

Thanks. Some very good info for me!!!!

[Dodge]

Steve, what paint did you use, they look GREAT...

[Steve Jelf]

Rattle can appliance epoxy enamel from Ace Hardware. So far so good.

[Binger]

I Painted the wheels for my '10 Overland together after they were assembled. When I had my Wheels rebuilt I took the complete wheels to the craftsman who was doing the work. after I took them apart I primed the hub pieces and rims. Next I took him the parts and he assembled the wheels. I then primed them and used a little polyester glazing putty. Another coat of primer and then top coat. They turned out excellent.

[FRANK PKNY]

Hay Steve nice hay rake! Like your press also. I use an old drill press, works good. Frank pkny

[bryan25t]

Painting looks good, but I just sanded all of the paint off of the spokes of my 25 Coupe and am looking to go with the natural wood look. Any suggestions on preferences for finishes? The car is being rebuilt to drive not just to look at.

[Royce P]

Polyurethane Marine spar varnish is durable and gives a nice, maintenance free finish on wood wheels. Anything else is just a waste of time.

Originally Posted by bryan25t

Painting looks good, but I just sanded all of the paint off of the spokes of my 25 Coupe and am looking to go with the natural wood look. Any suggestions on preferences for finishes? The car is being rebuilt to drive not just to look at.

[bryan25t]

Royce, Thanks for the information. Your car looks great.