Re: [DML] Crome powder coated rims

[billschaferabn@xxxx]

Walt,

I was the guy about a year ago who went through the crome powder coating of 
a set of 4 rims. I had a local company in Rockford, IL called "First Finish" 
do the work. We learned a lot from our experience. I am grateful First Finish 
stead the course and stuck it out. My old rims had lost the original paint 
from the rims and this caused a real headache. In their terminology they said 
the problem was the rims were "Gassing out" The first two times they powder 
coated the rims the flat areas around the outer edge and in the center near 
the lug nuts looked like someone threw sand on the rims during the powder 
coat process. Everything else (like the fins) looked great. Finally the thrid 
time they powder coated they left the rims heat at 600 degrees for about 12 
hours and this did the trick. The air that was trapped in the rims had to be 
cooked out to stop the sand effect. The end result was absolutely stunning. 
The color looked close to the S.S. finish and was a real eye catcher. The 
cost per wheel was $10.00 for sandblasting and $50.00 for powder coating. So 
for $240.00 I had a fantastic set of like new rims. 

Bill