| Author | Message | ||
     Bigfanof6 |
I am really getting kinda tired of the polishing task that comes with a set of PM wheels, and I'm wondering if anybody has had their PM's clear powder coated? I've found a guy locally who said he could do it for me so I'm just checking with you guys to see if it's been done before and if it works okay. Do you have to remove the bearings or will they withstand the heat? And do you have to replace the rotor bolts (front and rear) every time you remove the rotor? Thanks for any help, Guys. I love my wheels but I really am tired of polishing them! Chris | ||
| Teenc |
I'll second that! I only get a few days of nice looking wheels before I have to polish again. I usually use that mothers aluminum polish. It seems to work really good, but I am worried that it is too abrasive sometimes. It usually takes me an hour or more to polish both front and rear. I would also like to know about clear powder coating. On one of the episodes of american chopper they put on some clear red powder coat that looked really cool, so I'm sure they could do the same with clear. Then we could just wash the crud away with some soap water. | ||
| Joesbuell |
Hey Bigfanof6 }there is a company in Australia called www.electromold.com.au that can help or maybe there is someone in the US that does it.It looks trick and you only need to wash it. | ||
| Bigdaddy |
I've not tested this specific product, but I plan to do so after reading reviews and hearing from some folks that did their wheels with it. Do your own DD. Greg http://www.sharkhide.com | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Chris...that's a winter project of mine also. Yes, I'd remove the bearings. It's always better to be safe than sorry. As for the rotor bolts, I don't believe they need to be replaced. I'll have to check my shop manual for specifics. | ||
| Bigfanof6 |
Thanks, Guys. I could swear I remember reading someplace that the rotor bolts could only be used once, but that's probably not a big expense anyway. I can't wait to stop polishing!! Chris | ||
| Rick_a |
Yes, do NOT reuse rotor bolts. The bearing seals would likely get roasted by the heat...so best to remove/replace. | ||
| Lake_bueller  |
My PM rims are going out this week for some clear powder coat. They quoted me $100 total for both rims. He did mention that they wouldn't be quite as shiney with the clear powder coat. He had a sample in his office. I think I can live with the difference. It should be negligable. I'll post pictures when completed. Dennis | ||
| Kinger  |
That is a great price Lake. Now you have me thinking........... | ||
| Kdkerr2  |
There is nothing wrong with clear coating PM wheels or painting them to match the bike either [or chroming them either]. Different strokes for different folks. As for rotor bolts I have never replaced them unless a socket or hex was buggered. KK | ||
| Oddbawl  |
Keep us posted, I too am weary of polishing. Do you guys think it would take the heat on primary covers too? | ||
| Al_lighton  |
Not only should you remove the bearings first, but the people doing the powercoating should do a degrease, run the wheels up to powdercoating temperature, and then do another degreasing. At powdercoating temperatures, grease will become liquid and will ooze from whatever crevice it may have migrated to over time. If that happens during the powdercoating operation, the job will be ruined. Do not reuse rotor bolts. Don't do it. They're cheap enough, they're readily available, there's no good reason for risking it. There are a number of bolts on the bikes that the manual says not to reuse, some of them I will. Rotor bolts are not one of them. Press those bearings in right. I've tried alternative methods, and none have worked. Get thee to an arbor press and push them in right. Al | ||
| Hootowl  |
Does the $100 include a thorough polishing prior to coating? | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Hootowl....No it doesn't. I spend at least 10-15 hours in getting the rims prepped for powder coat. If I was to do it over again, I wouldn't have waited 6 years. I've ridden the bike in all kinds of weather/seasons. The rims have taken a beating as a result. The rims were dropped off yesterday. The guy was very happy with the prep work. I should be getting them back in about 6 weeks. I'll post before and after pictures at that time. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Got my rims back on Tuesday. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give the rear an 8 and the front a 7. There was a slight amount of outgassing on both rims. The biggest problem was with the rotor side of the front rim. Overall, they look great from 6' and okay from up close. I'll post some pictures as soon as I can find my camera. | ||
| Oldog |
Hey Lake I hope that you can post the pix when you said that they "outgassed" were there bubbles in the coating?  | ||
| Oldog |
Oddbawl: the later tubers primarys are coated with something my x1 has a black engine there is a member who goes by flapjack I think he works with some type of coatings he may know of something, there was an interesting discussion going on about coating engine parts (internal)  | ||
| Firemanjim  |
That would be Jack Maurer of Automotive Performance Coatings in Michigan.I know he does the engine coatings because he did a bunch of stuff for my son's Derbi and he has all my exhaust stuff for turbo bike.Give him a call. 586/294-4311. | ||
| Mduece |
to keep a polished aluminum shiny 4 ever there is a product that is called ZOOP SEAL it is a kit you buy that has realy had an impresion on the auto market. stuff really works good its a two part liquid you mix and apply. invizable look that is sure to keep any metal sealed for elements... brake dust grime ANYTHING you will love it NO MORE POLISHING EVER..good luck |
