Powder Coating Steel Wheels (Invaders)?
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Powder Coating Steel Wheels (Invaders)?
Ive been tossing around the idea of getting a set of Invader 5 spoke steel wheels. In talking to the guy who makes them, he states that they cannot be powder coated as it may weaken the welds or warp the wheel. He says a low-temp powder coat would likely be fine but a normal powder coat voids the warranty. I dont see how baking at 375-400 degrees could harm a steel weld or cause the wheel to warp
steel should be able to handle it, right? Can someone smarter than me explain?
A related question: if I have to paint the wheels (I want them black), all my local painters use acrylic any issues with that? I was thinking of enamel but I cant find anyone local who will do it. Other ideas on how to get them black?
A related question: if I have to paint the wheels (I want them black), all my local painters use acrylic any issues with that? I was thinking of enamel but I cant find anyone local who will do it. Other ideas on how to get them black?
Sounds fishy to me. Never heard of a weld being compromised by a mere 400* bake. Nor have I heard of wheels warping at that temp either. Aluminum has a much lower melting point and I have that powder coated on a regular basis. Not to mention, all the heavy machinery in the world that is powder coated, none of that is falling apart. Either I'm missing something or this wheel guy has no clue what he is talking about.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 3
From: Virginia raised, stationed in Alaska
I like those wheels i dont really like seeing the welds on the spokes though. It does sound weird. Maybe he just doesnt want the liability of anhything going wrong doesn't seem like a big business.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 10
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From: Baltimore, MD
I've done a good bit of welding and I'd have to say it would be impossible to effect the integrity of a weld at 400 degrees, maybe 1400 !
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
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From: Georgia
I ran into a 69 Chrysler 300 head on at 20mph with an Invader 5 spoke on my Ironhead. It bent the frame and the front end all to hell but the wheel survived to this day.Wheel did not even change balance weights when I put a new tire on it. Powder coat it and roll. Is Chica still building them?
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basic bake time to powder coat is about 45 min
as others have said 400 * wouldnt hurt ... and at 45 minutes---- impossible
times and temps vary depending on color an type of coat
some are 30 min bake
some are 45 minute bake -
i still see no way it would harm anything
as others have said 400 * wouldnt hurt ... and at 45 minutes---- impossible
times and temps vary depending on color an type of coat
some are 30 min bake
some are 45 minute bake -
i still see no way it would harm anything
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
sounds kinda strange to me as well, especally as they are offered in the "raw" form. the welding process generates WAY more heat than powder coating. the other thing that i dont care for is that they are "MIG OR TIG WELDED"....excuse me..but for $500 in the raw form, that SOB better be tig welded, and look like a stack of dimes. ANYBODY can shoot wire, some better than others. but a topnotch tig is what sets the men from the boys.....steve