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[highmodulus]

Having read a bunch of old threads, I have to admit to being even more confused than when I started on this topic. I just picked up a nice set of used Silver Volks at a very good price. They did have some cosmetic rash on two of the lips. Also my M3 is Melbourne Red, so I was thinking that a graphite grey would look nicer, and that I could have them clean up the rash at the same time. But I have seen a few people advise against powder coating them at all. Various Google searches have returned this mixed advice. So I thought I would ask if there are been any definitive word from Volks or people highly knowledgeable in this area. Thanks!

[kchu221]

when i had my first set of volks, i was thinking about powdercoating them also, but some people would tell me that powdercoating the wheels would actually make the wheels weaker since youd be heating them up...

[Kanweezy]

Originally Posted by kchu221

when i had my first set of volks, i was thinking about powdercoating them also, but some people would tell me that powdercoating the wheels would actually make the wheels weaker since youd be heating them up...

Heat has nothing to do with it, if you find a reputable shop that knows what they are doing, then you'll be fine

[kchu221]

Originally Posted by Kanweezy

Heat has nothing to do with it, if you find a reputable shop that knows what they are doing, then you'll be fine

well thats what i was told so i did not powdercoat them...

[jpirelli]

Originally Posted by Kanweezy

Heat has nothing to do with it, if you find a reputable shop that knows what they are doing, then you'll be fine

Heat has everything to do with it. Look up precipitation hardening.

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

Make sure the shop that does it is capable. Their oven has to be specific and heat can't go over 200 or chances of damage

[John Tanglewood]

Originally Posted by jpirelli

Heat has everything to do with it. Look up precipitation hardening.

+1....Low heat is the key.

[M3PO]

I would say don't take the chance and have them painted. Paint comes out better anyway IMO.

[FFM]

A low bake temp powder is required for a forged wheel. I have had numerous wheels powder coated with good results, you just need to know what your talking about when you inform the coater about the specifics of your wheels.

Cooking a forged wheel alters its state just like any metal. Keeping that temp lower will reduce the negative effect of basically oven curing your wheels.

With cast wheels I haven't worried about it and haven't had any issues. With a forged wheel however I am more cautious.

[Raucky2000]

Volk will tell you not too...if that helps make your mind up.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by ForceFed Motorsports

A low bake temp powder is required for a forged wheel. I have had numerous wheels powder coated with good results, you just need to know what your talking about when you inform the coater about the specifics of your wheels.

Cooking a forged wheel alters its state just like any metal. Keeping that temp lower will reduce the negative effect of basically oven curing your wheels.

With cast wheels I haven't worried about it and haven't had any issues. With a forged wheel however I am more cautious.

This.

Powder coating also lasts longer than factory Volk paint. This is fact and not debatable. I have gone through over 50 sets of wheels since the 1990s and you go with a Magnesium Blue TE37 and I will go with a Navy Blue powder coat and the OE Magnesium Blue will fade, scratch, and crack faster than a powder coat set. This is in humid, dry heat, freezing cold, etc weather. Seen it with my own eyes. Rocks chip the OE Volk paint faster as well.

So in reality both powder coating or OE paint are fine. One just lasts longer than the other and if you keep your temps in the correct range with powder coating you should have no issues.

[highmodulus]

thanks everyone for the thoughtful posts!