Those wheels look awesome, great choice w/ the color and nice to see some vintage Z shoes still getting action

Sand or beadblasting should be all that's needed for proper powdercoating, not any chemical stripper. I wouldn't try to prep them by hand that would be a PITA and wouldn't be as thorough. If the wheels have significant rash or deep dings/dents that's another story.

 

Ohh those are sick!!^^^^^

 

Thanks, that's encouraging. Post a pic when you get a good one. That's a similar (sounding) color to what I want to do.

 

Its very, very punishing. Which is why I have delayed finishing them. However, right after sandblasting metal, the rims are a very rough and matte surface. Sanding with a 120, 320, 400, 600, 1000, then dry sanding with 2000 for polishing, and topping it off with a rubbing compound is the way to go. But again, it really sucks. With that, I'm going to buy the dremel sanding/polishing kit this weekend and finish them off. I'm leaving work soon, so Ill post pics of the current condition.

 

How much are you guys paying for blasting and powder coating?

I just got a $75/wheel quote from a local shop.

 

^^That sounds about right, I had all 4 of my wheels done gloss black about 2 years ago for $400. They're my winter wheels, and they still shine right up.

 

The result of sandblast and powdercoat.

 

Had this done on another car and it warped one of the wheels...however I had others done and all worked out great....so there are risks...probably worth taking.

 

That looks great..but not feeling the left over chrome......

 

I agree, some black lugs and colour matched center cap would look better I think.

 

75 a wheel is a good price. I paid 90 a wheel. One shop I checked out wanted 140 a wheel plus the cost of the powder.

 

I just had mine powder coated in Hyper Silver and clear coat. Paid $125 per wheel and I love the way they turned out. My wheel guy experimented with powder coating metal cans in various colors until I found a finish I liked. I will try to post a photo.

 

I might have to jump on the $75/wheel option.

Only problem is I only have one set of wheels. I'd have to let the car sit on jack stands, get the tires dismounted, have them coated, remount the tires and re-install. Luckily we have a 4Runner that I can use to transport everything.

Ha, working from home while your wheels get coated.. That's a new one for me.

I'll have to ask for color options to see if I can be convinced even more.

 

Heres my sandblasted rims. Note; theyre not yet completed, in which Im going to sand and polish them a bit more this weekend. You can see the blemishes and imperfections which are the result of not sanding deep enough/not using a lower grit. But with time, patience, and destroyed hands, they will be an almost chrome finish once complete.

 

Wow that looks like no fun. At least you have the more simple spoke wheels. The ones I have would be an even bigger nightmare.