Remove Tires to Paint Wheels?

Apr 3, 2015 5:44:40 GMT -8 RinTin said:

Thanks for the responses, much appreciated. Powdercoating would be best, but I have the paint and am setting up for a small run, want to include the wheels. Also, I don't believe you can color match with powdercoat. I had the paint custom mixed to match the original body accent color and I doubt there's is a stock pc color that matches. It's a light metallic, green/gold color.

I'll call Discount Tire where I purchased them and ask about the mounting. The weights are on the inside so it appears likely they can do this without marring the new paint. I thought that the modern tire machines could do this but wasn't sure. Been out of the game for awhile. Thanks for the info John.

Also looking to find raw or primed baby moon hubcaps, or something like them, to be painted main body color.

Good to know I have options.

Powder Coat is done in standard RAL numbers.  It's an industry paint color code system.  Just have your powder coating done in your selected color, then take the RAL number to the paint store and they will mix your paint to your RAL color code.  It can also be done in the other direction, but because your not doing a large powder coat run, it would be much more expensive.  My green on my Mallard is #6013 (both powder coat, and single stage paint), and the new trim color for the Spartan, will be called New Cat Yellow, a industry standard color, to match our canopy.

In my experience, dealing with any large franchised tire store chain, is a total PITA!  I'd find a small local independent tire dealer, and have them do all your tire work.  The main thing is the relationship you develop with the guy behind the counter.  I cringe, every time I hear that someone took their trailer to the tire store, and then were told they could not work on it because of liability, which is total BS, it's "chain store" rules.  The clip-on wheel weights should be removed before the tire is removed.

All you need to do is take a length of scrap RV skin.  Cut it to 3" wide, and place the edge in the groove around the wheel rim, against the tire.  Adjust the length so it fits tight around the wheel.  Then run a small sheet metal screw through the joint to hold the tight fit.  Spray away, and it just lifts off.

May 18, 2015 18:33:38 GMT -8 azshastanut said:

What is the going rate in your area for powder coating wheels. Eight years ago it was $30 per wheel and now it is up to $50 here in Tucson.

It's $40 to $50 per wheel in So. Cal.

The price depends on how nasty and rusted the old rims are, because of the labor time required to sand blast clean. What ever the price, it's worth it! The time spent, and the cost of paint, primer, and prep materials as very costly today. It's nice to drop them off, and in two days pick them up "all pretty".