My Wheels & Tires

TitanosaurusRex · 07-20-2005, 06:56 PM

Hey, As requested, I am starting a new thread about my wheel & tire project.
To answer a few questions:
Before I replaced the factory BFG's and painted the rims, I had a second set of wheels & tires already (Arelli Czar, 18x9, Cooper Discovery II tires, 285/60/18) ; I will likely continue to use the Arelli/Cooper set much of the time, using the new set for winter/spring (mud season) driving. The low-profile set handles/accelerates better.
The powdercoating of the Titan Offroad rims was done by a shop not too far away. The turnaround time was about three weeks, at a cost of $65/wheel. I had to paint the center caps myself.
The tires took about five weeks from order to delivery, owing to the fact that thay are backordered. Must be a popular tire. (Nitto Terra Grappler 295/70/17)
The powdercoating process consisted of sandblasting the rims, applying a coat of black and a coat of clear, each "fired" separately. The gloss is very impressive, but the color failed to fully penetrate the lug wells. This is not apparent unless you look directly down the holes; I don't consider it an issue for me.
The Nissan rims are apparently hub-centric, because I had to grind the powdercoat off the inner ring surface to get the front wheels on.
I also sanded the circular mounting area flat, because "fat edges" had built up there.
I'd like to point out that a wide range of color options are available in powdercoat, including clearcoats with metaflake, pearl and chameleon effects.
Some have wondered about polished rim edges. That's probably do-able, if the shop is familiar with the technique. I'd imagine the polishing or whatever would be done before the clearcoat.
It was a really worthwhile project and gives a dramatically different look to the truck, along with the PRG front/rear kit.
Here is one pic of the result, and a few more are in my user gallery.
If you want higher-res stuff, let me know.
T Rex

m0wens · 07-20-2005, 10:24 PM

Looks good.

Triple S · 07-21-2005, 05:38 AM

Nice job Rex!

Powdercoating is an amazing end result, I did the wheels for my S and I was amazed at the depth of color. I can also add that if done properly the powdercoat is nearly indestructible. It will not chip or scratch off like paint.

For anyone else considering this ask your powdercoater if they can provide bead blasting rather than sand blasting. Bead blasting is basically the same thing as sand blasting but they use small plastic beads not sand. The bead blasting will not rough up the surface as much as sand and you can end up with an even smoother surface. The difference is subtle, but for some it might be something to consider.

Titan4x4Aggie · 07-25-2005, 10:48 AM

Thanks for the post TRex. This is what I was looking for.

I did a google search for powder coating here in the Houston area, and found about 4 different places that could do it. The price seems to range from $50 - $75, depending on prep work, sandblasting, color choice, etc.

I think this is the rout I will end up going when I need new tires. I'll try to find a set of Titan rims here in Houston for cheap ($100-$200) to put on my truck while I get my OR rims coated. Then, I'll sale those rims. At least that will be the plan.

As for color choice, I really like that black, but I think Smoke rims to match my smoke truck will look good also. The black will match my black door handles and mirrors though, and will look really good when I tint my front windows and maybe add a dunder grille.

Choices, choices. This still will turn out cheaper than a set of Pro Comp 1069's, and they will be unique here in Houston.

Cajunguy · 07-25-2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

.........Choices, choices. This still will turn out cheaper than a set of Pro Comp 1069's, and they will be unique here in Houston.

Not NOW, they won't be!!!!!

Titan4x4Aggie · 07-25-2005, 02:38 PM

Where are you planning on having yours done at CajunGuy??? Are you going to buy a 2nd set of wheels to get this done?

TitanosaurusRex · 07-25-2005, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quad T

Nice job Rex!

Powdercoating is an amazing end result, I did the wheels for my S and I was amazed at the depth of color. I can also add that if done properly the powdercoat is nearly indestructible. It will not chip or scratch off like paint.

For anyone else considering this ask your powdercoater if they can provide bead blasting rather than sand blasting. Bead blasting is basically the same thing as sand blasting but they use small plastic beads not sand. The bead blasting will not rough up the surface as much as sand and you can end up with an even smoother surface. The difference is subtle, but for some it might be something to consider.

Hi,
In the case of my powdercoater, I think he could have beat the paint off with chains and the result would have been the same. It is a very thick coat, which filled any low spots totally. For instance, the milling marks on the back of the wheel where it was machined to the hub diameter- the marks were totally hidden, only revealed when I ground the coat off because they wouldn't go over the hub!
T Rex