Is powdercoating wheels safe?

[e30s4evr]

Hi! I have a set of DS1 in the process of being powdercoated as I type this thread! I am concerned about the high temperatures that the wheel is going to be subjected to, and I don't know how slowly or rapidly it's going to be cooled down. Searching various forums and the internet, I only found 2 or 3 people complaining about rims cracking easily after powdercoating. And now a spec miata racer friend tells me he has seen a lot of failed powdercoated wheels. Should I worry? These will go on an E36 M3 with R compound rubber...

[FSUhorizon]

It seems like it would have been wise to ask this question before having them powder coated.

[GH41]

I think it would depend on who did the powder and how they did it. If the wheel was brought to temperture slowly and let cool slowly I doubt it would be a problem. 400 degrees is not that hot. On the other hand if the wheels are rolled into a preheated oven for 20 minutes and then taken out into cool room temperture air I could see the potential for a problem. Thats why when welding a damaged wheel they preheat the wheel first to avoid sudden temp change. GH

[VengeanceM3]

I do believe I heard its more of a problem with forged wheels. Dont hold me to that though...

[e30s4evr]

I also heard that it's more of a problem with wheels that have a few spindly spokes as opposed to over engineered OEM wheels... Any thought?

[ahuff]

The act of powder coating wheels is most likely safe. :) Driving with the powder coated wheels, however, may or may not be safe. I have no idea. You be the judge.

[e30s4evr]

Thanks for clarifying that Ahuff!

[b2bomber]

I just got my wheels powder coated, and for 2 weeks now things are great.

[Jim@tirerack]

The heat would be the problem when powder coating. If done correctly there is not a problem. With too much heat the wheels will be softer.