C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

[Eric A.]

I am about to restore five 15x5 1958 wheels. I am planning to have this car judged.

To start the process I plan to beed blast them before painting but I need some guidance on the painting. I understand the wheels were orginially painted black on the back side then silver on the front side in 1958. The question I have is can I powercoat these wheels with the same color concept and not get points deducted? If so can someone guide me the best process to keep from cheaping paint when the hub caps are taken on and off.

Thanks,

Eric

[Chris S.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

Powdercoat if you can
Well worth it !!!!!!
A good powdercoater can do the side different colors.....
Again - it has to appear to look like paint - so the coater cant put it on too thick.....

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

A good judge will know that it is powder coat based on the thickness on edges and the intense shine. It is difficult to work with the hubcaps without some paint being chipped. The rims were originally dip painted in black enamel. I use touch up paint to cover the chipped areas.

[John H.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

I understand the wheels were orginially painted black on the back side then silver on the front side in 1958.

Eric -

The wheels were flow-coated all over (like dipping) with semi-gloss black primer, baked, and then only the outer surface was painted with 83* gloss wheel enamel, and baked again.

[Robert K.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

I've read, not here, that wheels do NOT power coat very well. Power coat does not get into crevices very well. It has to do with the electrical charge of the two close pieces of metal, specifically where the center hub is attached to the outer rim. Just look at any 2+ year old set of white spoke wheels and you will understand.

[Chris S.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

I've read, not here, that wheels do NOT power coat very well. Power coat does not get into crevices very well. It has to do with the electrical charge of the two close pieces of metal, specifically where the center hub is attached to the outer rim. Just look at any 2+ year old set of white spoke wheels and you will understand.

depends on the operator........

[John F.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

I have had 4 sets sandblasted and powdercoated. No problems with hubcaps staying on or holding air.

[Barry H.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

Eric, FWIW, My system is: bead rims , clean well, apply 2 coats of black GM Re-Conditioning paint (front & back), let dry, Mount tires (without installing valve stems), set each assembly (rim with tire installed) on a 1 gal round paint can, mask tire in front with newspaper & tape, paint 2 coats of silver enamel on front only, let dry overnight, remove paper, install valve stems & inflate tires. No Chips. I have never received a deduction for this way, including many Top Flights & a Duntov Car.
Good Luck Barry Holmes

[Troy P.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

That should provide a close to factory paint job if you are not masking off the center and stud holes. I understand that at the factory the wheels were hung on a rack for the final paint and when the outside was being shot the paint traveled through the holes and got some on the backside also (except in 53 when both sides were painted fully). Original wheels I've seen had this overspray on the back in differing amounts. That would not be able to be duplicated with powder coat.

[Edward B.]

Re: C1 Wheel Paint Guidance

The problem is simple: You are trying to go down two different paths at the same time. On the one hand you want to have wheels suitable for "judging" and on the other hand you are looking for the most lasting, abrasion resistant coating possible. The two don't mix. May I suggest that you are overthinking the situation and are about to stumble into the common trap of "over-restoration." Original wheels were not very finely finished, paint was splotchy, overspray was present and sometimes scratches appeared the very first time the wheel covers were installed. If it were my effort, the choice would be simple - paint.