Didn't think you could powder coat them because of the plastic center cap.....

 

Your not being serious are you?

 

I've seen them done in black satin powder coat and it looks really good. I sure wouldn't mind a set on my TJ.

 

It might be easier just to paint them yourself. Especially if you scuff them up.

 

Powder coating aluminum rims can be done very carefully. Due to how the process of powder coating is done when the aluminum rim is baked there is a chance that is can crack, even internally, and eventually lead to failure.

I would go for painting them with normal paints.

 

Thanks for the warning.

Thanks for the warning with the possible cracking of the rim. If that's true I will look into painting them.

 

Thanks for the warning with the possible cracking of the rim. If that's true I will look into painting them.

It mainly happens due to inconsistent heating. One portion of the rim gets hotter than the other and cracks where it is not visible.

Powder coating rims has been done plenty of times though with high quality ovens.

 

I would lean towards painting them as opposed to powder coating them. The supplies to paint the wheels are fairly inexpensive and if you would happen to chip or scratch the wheels, they can be easily touched up.

 

Yes Rubicon owners site has how to's on both

The best Ive seen up close was a dark grey metalic set on a dark blue jeep

 

that's the only way to go.

 

If you go the PC route, there are new powders coats available that cure at a much lower temp of about 300 degrees instead of the ususal 400- 425 degrees. The lower temps are safe for most aluminum alloys. I'd do some research and make sure the coater you choose has the proper experience and set-up for coating cast aluminum wheels.

 

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=686891
look here a set painted and i think a set powder coated

 

double post

 

Here's mine.. I have steel rims.. they were rusted beyond belief.

The company I work for uses 'Plastic Paint' ~ no Rattle Can ~ no PC. Same kind you will find on Tractor Trailers going down the highway.

After 4 years, its held up GREAT !! .. cost $5 a rim !

Peace...

 

If you do plan on painting start by roughing up the factory clear coat and painting on top of that. Note, some enamels react badly to the factory clear.

This example from the rims I painted is a semi-gloss.

 

I painted mine with some duplicolor wheel paint and they are holding up quite nicely!!!

 

thanks guys

Looks like it's easy enough to just paint the rims. When I'm ready that's what I'm going to do.