Got some bad news today

[abadsvt]

Last monday i took my wheels down to have them powdercoated. I wanted just the centers powdercoated and which would leave a chrome lip. They guy said sure no prob. Well i went to the place today to see how things are going and they told me that they don't want to do the powdercoating because they are worried that the chrome will lift or pop because of the baking temps. . Have any of you done this? They yonger guy there said it should be okay but the two older guys didn't recommend it. Is this true? Would it really hurt the chrome? They told me that i should have them painted. I don't want to have to paint it but i will if i need to. Thanks Josh

[liquiddragon]

what temp does exhaust get and what temp does the baking process of powdercoating get? im just asking because you see a lot of motorcycles with chrome exhaust and they seem to hold up to the extreme temps of exhaust.

[1971-tetanus-shot]

I have been a Powdercoater for several years now ( For a major industrial equipment manufacter) And I have the privilage of coating my own stuff (boss says keep it on the down low though), I have coated over chrome with no problems what so ever. The temp of our ovens is 458 degrees for 45 minutes. Just make sure the parts are perfectly clean. any oil (even from your hands ) can burn onto the chrome surface. Other then that you should have no problems. But as always that is my opinion, use at your own risk
Andy

[1971-tetanus-shot]

Forgot to add, ammonia and water 50/50 mix and powder free latex gloves is good to do a final cleaning with, make sure it is dry before you coat though

[1LoC10]

I dont think the prob is powder coating over chrome.. its baking the chrome lip thats not coated

[soulman67]

the problem is the heat will tarnish the chrome, turn it either gold or blue. I have a chrome tip on my old diesel and it turned gold pretty quick. But thats pretty hot exhaust cause its 1000 plus degree's at the manifolds.

But the question is, is their oven hot enough to tarnish the chrome.

[Musclerodz]

400 won't bother the chrome. A buddy of mine powdercoats chrome all the time. Local bumper shop sends him all the brush guards to powder when the chrome does not meet criteria.

Mike

[abadsvt]

So what you are saying is that it should be okay? I just want to make sure because the wheels are a little expensive and would hate to spend more money to have them chromed again. Thanks for everyones comments and i will talk to a different powdercoater tommorrow!

[blaserman]

It would be takin a chance, since those guy's will not be lible for it if they turn colors and then you are out of luck. I would try another shop and see what they say first.

[1971-tetanus-shot]

The chrome turning colors is the result of something on the chrome, usually a polish or wax. I have a VW Dune buggy I show and race. The head temp is usually around 1100 degrees at the exhaust port but cools down to about 345 at the end of the exhaust. The pipes are chrome ( never polished or waxed) and the only changed color about 3 inches out of the head. Later on today I will fire it up and bring her to full temp and measure the temp where the coloring stops to give you a rough idea what temp is OK

[abadsvt]

That would be sweet tetnas-shot. I would really appreciate it. Thanks Josh

[pkj]

abadsvt, imo i would avoid the paint route. you will have an edge where paint and chrome meets. good place for paint to start lifting. paint over chrome can be done, but a lot of steps and no shortcuts. why not just powder 1 wheel and if it screws up, well you only screwed up 25%. good luck, pkj

[1971-tetanus-shot]

I measured the point where the coloring stops on the buggy. it was 738 degrees, so I would venture to say it is safe to do it, but as the previous post says try it on one wheel first. Better safe then sorry

[1LoC10]

You could always powdercoat the lip also.. just do it in a clear powdercoat

[SCOTI]

The problem usually will be that the powder-coaters will not warranty the coating over someone elses work just like most painters don't warranty a paint job that another body-shop prepped. You never know the quality of the prep (many aftermarket chrome pieces can be poorly plated).

If you push forward..... you may be out of pocket if it doesn't work. If that's ok w/you, let the coaters know you're willing to be the test subject @ your own risk & not theirs.

[abadsvt]

I am not sure what route i want to go. If i chance it and it works sweet! Unfortunately i have 4 chance for something to mess up. That is one option and if it works for all 4 then thats a big bonus for me. Option 2 is I paint them with base clear and maybe pinstrip the edgle where the paint meets the chrome. Option 3 is sell my wheels and buy a set already powdercoated if i can find one or buy a wheel that is all billet instead of chrome. I hate decisions