Mounting Tires on Newly Painted Rims

[chtr65]

Getting close to having my steel rims painted. I'm looking for the most correct way to have my new tires mounted without chipping or marking the freshly painted rims. I have been told that I should mount the tires first, then paint the rims before inflating with air. I couldn't believe someone even suggested that. Then someone else said they mount the tires on primered rims, inflated the tires , then taped them off and painted. Any suggestions from the purists that have restored these trucks. Thanks

[Greenlee]

I'm planning to have mine powder coated. I'm thinking that should be strong enough to handle the mounting.

[BigDan3131]

There are a lot of factors that come to play on rim painting. Were they bare steel or are they being painted over? Single stage paint or base/clear? Are you are doing it yourself, given the temps they need time to fully cure like a month. Only because rubber isn't kind to painted surfaces and chips can and will happen even after being shot in a heated booth because the very edge is so thin there isn't a whole lot protecting it. Powder coating is fine but if it gets chipped the whole rim has to be redone. The other place it will chip is where the lugnuts seat it can't be helped because your twisting against the painted surface. Just have extra paint you can dab on there.

[chtr65]

Thanks, Powder coating is definitely out. Your absolutely right, in that when it chips the whole wheel needs redone. Also with the powder coating, I have yet to see a nice smooth finish. From anyone! I really like your suggestion about allowing the wheels a month to cure. I will plan to do that before mounting.

[Chevy Fleetside]

They have touchless tire machines these days. I painted my rims {dual stage} before mounting the tires and then had them static balance the wheels so the weights would not be hammered on the front side of the rim.

[AcampoDave]

I do as Big Dan suggested "dabbing a little paint on there." I personally like to use a modelers paint brush so I can better "fill" a chip without too much overage on the surrounding area. Removing and installing hubcaps can also cause damage but strategic use of rags as cushions goes a long way to help with that. Also, I learned the hard way not to bottom the socket of my lugwrech out against the wheel when twisting it.

[oem4me]

Curing paint for any period won't guard against abuse. I believe there now exists tire mounting equipment which does not directly contact the wheel during the mounting process. Your local mom and pop tire place may not have the latest equipment, but it's out there, and it's been there awhile. Really, there's no need to chew up a wheel when putting on a tire. I would guess any outfit that handles polished alloy rims regularly could do the job satsfactorily.

[Greenlee]

Anyone else have thoughts (good or bad) on powder coating?

I just bought a set of stock steel wheels I have to get blasted. I don't want to waste money on powder coating if I can get as good or better results with paint.

[60-66]

Time will tell but I powder coated my stock 17.5 rims , mounted the new tires with my old tire machine and chipped the edges ( lesson learned). I still had to paint the outside of the rims white. Powder coat is just paint anyway , right ? So the chips were feathered out , powder coat scuffed with scotch bright and with tires mounted but deflated and off the bead , Wheels were painted. They look great. Why did I do it this way ? Wasn't sure which truck the wheels and tiree were going on. LOL . Next time I might do it different but tires can definitely be mounted without chipping with newer machines however its been suggested by restorers to final paint the rim color with tires installed. I wanted the powder coat inside and out for durability from brake fluid etc on the back of the rim which I left black. I have an older restored Impala that the rims are painted , four piston disc brakes are known to leak even stainless steal sleeved, they did and the paint lifted on the back of the rim because I didn't catch it in time. Im sure theres better paints out there than I used back then to though.

[63burban]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

They have touchless tire machines these days. I painted my rims {dual stage} before mounting the tires and then had them static balance the wheels so the weights would not be hammered on the front side of the rim.

Ditto !!

[Layne]

My wheels were just blasted, primed, base then clear coat.
Waited two weeks, then mounted. No problems.
the guys at the tire shop did take extra care, after seeing my truck, and the 'new wheels'.

[nibulus]

A couple things I usually do while mounting tires on "sensitive" wheels:

• mount the tires from the back side of the wheel (when possible; just make sure the clamps will not damage the wheels). If paint comes off, at least it will not be visible once mounted on the truck.
  
• use enough grease on the wheel AND the tire
  
• take your time; too fast mounting often result in damaged rims (and/or equipment)
  
• use a plastic mounting/demounting head and a (or a few) rim protector(s), both reduce the risk of chips
  
• thicker tape on the lip also reduces the risk of damaging the wheel

If you don't have the required equipment, go to a good tire shop (not some random back yard garage) and actively tell them about your problem. Tire changing professionals usually know how to do it right (and have [at least] proper tire changers).

[chtr65]

It's been said before, and I'll say it again. This is the most knowledgeable and helpful group of guys anywhere! Thank you all for your great advise. The fellow that's doing the painting is using base coat clear coat. My rims have been glass beaded to bare metal and a light coat of grey primer etch. I understand the advantage of powder coating when it comes to the brake fluid. It's just that I have yet to see a nice smooth finish on rims in my area. I was also told by a very knowledgeable painter in my area that once the powder finish has been chipped, it's very easy for moisture to get behind the coating and start the oxidation process. I suspect it's because powder coated metal doesn't have primer on the metal first.

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by 60-66

Time will tell but I powder coated my stock 17.5 rims , mounted the new tires with my old tire machine and chipped the edges ( lesson learned). I still had to paint the outside of the rims white. Powder coat is just paint anyway , right ? So the chips were feathered out , powder coat scuffed with scotch bright and with tires mounted but deflated and off the bead , Wheels were painted. They look great. Why did I do it this way ? Wasn't sure which truck the wheels and tiree were going on. LOL . Next time I might do it different but tires can definitely be mounted without chipping with newer machines however its been suggested by restorers to final paint the rim color with tires installed. I wanted the powder coat inside and out for durability from brake fluid etc on the back of the rim which I left black. I have an older restored Impala that the rims are painted , four piston disc brakes are known to leak even stainless steal sleeved, they did and the paint lifted on the back of the rim because I didn't catch it in time. Im sure theres better paints out there than I used back then to though.

.

I have 17.5 rims and all I see is commercial truck tires. Where did you get your tires?

[Captainfab]

Not all powder coating is equal. As in liquid paint, proper prep and cure time is important as well as mil thickness. And no powder coat is not just paint. Powder coat is basically a plastic coating of various compositions such as polyester, hybrid, etc.

While I am a fan of powder coating there are some applications where it is a disadvantage. Those being where the coating can be chipped or scratched and moisture, salt, and road deicer can get behind the coating. When that does happen the metal will literally be eaten up and converted to a heavy oxide layer.

[60-66]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Not all powder coating is equal. As in liquid paint, proper prep and cure time is important as well as mil thickness. And no powder coat is not just paint. Powder coat is basically a plastic coating of various compositions such as polyester, hybrid, etc.

While I am a fan of powder coating there are some applications where it is a disadvantage. Those being where the coating can be chipped or scratched and moisture, salt, and road deicer can get behind the coating. When that does happen the metal will literally be eaten up and converted to a heavy oxide layer.

Thats good to know Captain , Thank you.

[60-66]

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

.

I have 17.5 rims and all I see is commercial truck tires. Where did you get your tires?

I bought my tires from Universal tire. The truck is a 1963 GMC 4X4.

[donthekawguy]

I had mine powder coated with no problems.

[jocko]

pc with touchless mounting - and you do need to shop around for it - confirm they can mount them that way before you ruin your new pc wheels. also ask for weights on the inside surface, unless you want the "original" look of outboard weights. I don't, personally. Stick on weights allow them to do it pretty much however you want, but most places can balance with clamp-ons on inside only, so it's worth asking.