I have a buddy of mine who is an ace powdercoater. I have a 1968 aluminum sporty hub/drum brake with a steel rim and steel spokes-front wheel. I want to powder the assembled wheel. He's not sure about the reaction of the steel and aluminum when he bakes it, also some of the outer hub I want taped and to remain the raw aluminum and he's concerned that it will change color. Has anyone ever powdercoated a wheel like this?

 

i am not sure i follow you on this... we have coated hundreds of wheels though, key when you coat it assembled is to make sure the wheel is true! if not you will not be able to true the wheel after it is coated

 

Aluminum hub-brake drum with steel spokes and rim. I want to keep the outer hub-break drum- raw alum, powder the spokes and rim. I understand the need to true the wheel prior. The worry is that the aluminum may turn colors even though its taped and there may be a reaction due to the assembly of both alum and steel.

 

no it will be fine... getting clean lines in that area on a curved surface is going to be a challenge but though temp ramps is possible. the metal will be fine, are you going to strip and then refinish the hub? you are going to need to clean the metal, exp on an old drum hub as they out gas horrible, the last 2 we had to out gas and still primer.