POWDER COATING TREK BEGINS TOMORROW

[CarDemon]

I decided it was time for that good ole' Ghetto Black Pioneering Spirit to kick in. There was a thread started way back on the Vancouver Board and carried over here, with regards to Rim Powdercoating.

A few of us were in agreement with Spectrum Powder Coaters out in Etobicoke of which will do it for $35.00/rim.
The only problem was prepping our wheels before taking them there.

I phoned around my Brampton Area, to check out Sandblasting Services and Garages to De-tire my wheels. I have a handful of companies, price quotes and I will choose one tomorrow.

I will pass on the addresses, prices, customer service reports and take pictures of the 'steps' along the way. A chronological storyboard with how my rims looked like at every step, may help others following in my path or can inform others to beat the price and service quality for their own benefit.

I am only going ahead on this due to the fact that the logistics of meeting as a group and transporting heavy bulk items like rims, is such a nightmare.

Stay tuned and I'll keep you guys an gals posted. http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[P5 2 NV]

I talked to the guy at Spectrum Powder Coaters last year. thats a much better price i got out of them. anyways he told me all you have to do is make sure there is no break dust ot dirt on the rim. No other prep was needed. Spectrum should be able to prep them for you if needed.

[ChopstickHero]

This is definitely a big project and requires much research, resources time and effort to put together. I hope this will work out well so that other members can follow the process of Project Ghetto Powdercoat. I'll post this as a sticky so that members can easily keep track of this.

Good luck Demon! http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[CarDemon]

UPDATE..,
Went to go DE-TIRE. Separated my summer tires from the stock 16" P5 alloy rims. They used a clamp like machine to do things cleanly as they deal with high end merchandise too so the service was $10.00/wheel+TAXES. It took less than 10minutes.

$10.00
x 4
-------
$40.00
x1.15 Gst/Pst
--------
=$46.00
========

You guys should and may be able to do better than this and just settle on a straight cash price for cheaper. I am not too close with any mechanics so I bit the bullet.

Tomorrow morning I hit a COIN WASH to blast away some dirt before carrying my rims into a Sandblast Company. I was quoted $25.00/alloy wheel and I need to phone and inquire about a cash only price. Another company wants $60.00/hr of the estimated job. I don't like estimated job prices so I will go with the 1st Sandblaster guy and let you guys know the turnaround time. I will also require a service reciept too for pickup so they don't screw me into not dropping off any rims at all.

I'll take pictures before my rims go in and after the sandblast. This won't be until after the D&B weekend as I am using a 35mm camera.

[CarDemon]

BLASTAL COATING SERVICES
353 Clarence Ave. Brampton, ON
(905) 459-2001
4 Alloy Wheels @ $25.00 each.=$100.00 cash no TAX

Taking the rims there tomorrow at around noon.
Will update you guys on the turnaround time and results.

[midnightp5]

Might not be the best idea to sandblast alloy rims.
You probably end up pitting them.

I just got my rims prep and painted, and clearcoated and the guy said that samdblasting will definately pit.

Unless you are using a soft plastic blasting medium, I would advise against it.

Break out your sandpaper. http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[CarDemon]

Hmmmm!
Good point. I was told by the PowderCoating processor my options for a great result would be to prep my rims by liquid dip stripping the OEM Alloy coating colour.

The Sandblasting process would smooth out imperfections and previous chips in the enamel of the rims which I do have. When the powdercoating process and the baking gets done, I should have a well bonded, smooth, and durable surface. http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/dontgetit.gif

The Sandblast Company also said they have done quite a few alloy rims too. I take it they are well experienced and professional. Am I scared though??? http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif Just a little anxious. I also took out my center plastic cap.

[CarDemon]

Went to the local coin-op Carwash and cleaned my wheels before handing them in. I was greeted by one of the head guys in a small factory/industrial building who even helped me lift my rims out of my car and took them into the plant.

While I was there I saw another set of audi rims that were already sandblasted. He also told me of a place 1 block away called Powder Tech which does coating. I'm gonna call for pricing. Also, my rims will be available for pick-up on friday. Don't worry either, I introduced myself properly and told him about the car club.

I will take pictures and maybe sling a rim in my trunk to show some guys/gals.

[MP5Navy]

Hey Demon glad to see you moving along with plans.

You make powdercoating the rims sould like fun! LOL!

Anyway I'm assuming the total price for the powdercoating to be around $250? Am I right?

Hmmmm maybe I should've done this to my OEM rims too so I can look descent in the winter...

BTW I hope you removed the wheel balancing weights on the edge of the rim before moving along with any of the steps. You'll probably need to have the wheels rebalanced after the painting but use the balancing weights they use for aftermarket rims (adhesive that sticks inside the rims cosmetic surfaces).

Maybe this is the total cost:
1. Tire remove: $40
2. Sand blasting: $100
3. Powdercoating: $100
4. Tire install: $40
5. Balancing: Maybe free, maybe not.

Total $280?
Correct me if I'm wrong.

[CarDemon]

Hey there Dave!
When I was hunting through the Yellow Pages at my options, I made a couple of options based on phone presentation, professionalism and closeness to my Bramalea area.

You are quite right on with the price range as I'll post my full itinerary and contacts quotes ranging from $230.00-$280.00. The trick is to negoatiate the price with no Taxes.

My first detiring place was $6.00 over with the tax as my bill was made up too promptly in the store rush for me to negotiate a cash only deal. He said it was $10.00/wheel because of a special clamping machine used to detire the rubber and still protect the rims integrity.

I think guys can really find a more closer shop and buddy nearer to them which can cut this rate though. As for remounting the tires the do mount and balance for free.

By midnext week I'll post my procedures, options, company names, contacts, price quotes and maps so other can do the trek. With closer guys that I know and trust I'll even help distribute and p/u stuff for them if need be.

[CarDemon]

Just picked up my sandblasted rims from Blastal Coating Srvc and paid $100.00 cash. The colour is a greyish basement cement floor with a slight glazed/smooth yet course texture. I will pack one rim in my car tonight for you guys to see and touch.

I went a block away to a place called
PowderTech Ltd.
155 Orenda Rd.
Brampton, ON

It was here that a family run business actually makes numerous powder coats for BMW, Lexus, Audi, Infinity, Chrysler and I was given a Plant tour. They are really professional in that their quality standards are like ISO 9001, 9002 and some industry Highest called TC### I forget.
I also so commercial products for Walmart like the Garden Claw assemble various racking and some other rims in the baking process.

THEY CHARGE $75.00 PER RIM BUT WILL KICK IN A DISCOUNT for grooup volume. They have an assortment of colour catalogues and price ranges but that is just for guys who want to splurge just a little more. They also said, that anything metal they can coat.

I am still gonna go with Spectrum' $35.00/wheel as I don't have AL QUEIDA bank accounts. For those interested at tonights D&B's we will get a group together and go out and view my product in the works.

As for a previous comment and concern about pitting from Sandblasting vs. Liquid Dip or Stipping. This dude said that he was glad I chose sandblasting. It takes out the inperfections of stonechips and minor to major scrapes you'ld take for granted. Plus the paint and coating adhesion will be better with pre-sandblasted rims. He was helpful in saying that the price of $25.00/wheel sandblasted is a good one and is the norm. You guys may want to keep note of this not to be charged higher.

Just for some money matters to settle in my bank account from cheques written, I'll wait 10 days until I go to Spectrum PowderCoaters to have my rims done.

I suggest you guys can take some of my preliminary steps up to the sandblasting but remember to beat the Detiring Part. You must be able to beat $40.00 and with no taxes in.

[dr_sarcasm]

I love this epic saga!

http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif


dr_"gotta love blogging"_sarcasm.

[CarDemon]

Continuing on with my PowderCoating Trek, I dropped off my sandblasted alloys at
SPECTRUM POWDER COATERS
63 MEDULLA AVE.
TORONTO, ON

It is here where it is going to be $35.00/rim= $140.00 NO TAX.

My contact there was Mike MacDonald. The operation seems quite busy and just from peeping inside the warehouse I saw quite abit. There were consumer products from industrial racking, chairs, garden tools etc. that were going through this process of powdercoating.

For the price that I was quoted, I have set my expectations accordingly and I'll explain when I get the finished product. I was also shown a sample of a chair in my gunmetal colour which was dark greyish yet black depending on the light and angle you looked upon it.

My valve stems which were still on my alloys need to be cutoff he said, but I will get new ones when my tires get mounted on.

The turnaround time will be by the end of the week of which he will give me a call.

I still have my platic center pieces out and I'll have to colour match relatively the shade when I get the alloys back. I'll try to determine the initial look of them not matching the rest of the wheel but I don't think CarDemon will let that go too easily.

I don't have too much money to spend on extreme bling-bling and I have made my decision to go this route first and perhaps help guys decide what to do and what not to do.
Wish me luck!!!!

If things don't turn out top notch, we can just call it Ghetto Concept anyways!! http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif

[CarDemon]

Phoned today about my rim P/U and they are not ready. I was told that due to line production for various groups of products they do in order batches.

So if they are doing yellow for 3 days they can't just sneak-in a gun metal on the automated line. It takes a morning to prep a new colour change to the painting utensils and racking colour so it wouldn't mess my colour scheme. Makes sense I guess. http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[CarDemon]

Just got a call from Spectrum Powder Coaters. My rims are ready for P/u tomorrow. Instead of $140.00 it is now down to $100.00. All the better.

I am a wee bit nervous because I have taken the lead on this trek and alot of guys looking into this are awaiting the results. My concern in hindsight is to my decision over how my OEM P5 Alloy enamel should have been stripped.

1. Liquid dip for a smoother finish, but not getting rid of the minor chips or flaws I accumulated or

2. The Sandblast method which was the more preferred method by one Pwder Coat company really, but I didn't go there due to budgetary constraints.

The Spectrum company had some wee reservations on that my sandblast could've been a wee bit better, but hey I'm new to this.

A few guys saw my rims and it looked like unfinished potter or clay in texture after the sandblast. Now it is the question of my rims looking like a flat black finish because I didn't clear coat it and it may have some texture compared to a glossy smooth finish.

Hopefully my trek will keep you guys better informed and you can make much better decisions financially and artistically to the way you want to do your rims.

For around $280.00 approx on this drastic change, I will measure the results and post the sequential picture stages with narration by weekend.

Stay tuned...,

[midnightp5]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (CarDemon @ April 01 2003,1:01)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Just got a call from Spectrum Powder Coaters. My rims are ready for P/u tomorrow. Instead of $140.00  it is now down to $100.00. All the better.

I am a wee bit nervous because I have taken the lead on this trek and alot of guys looking into this are awaiting the results. My concern in hindsight is to my decision over how my OEM P5 Alloy enamel should have been stripped.

1. Liquid dip for a smoother finish, but not getting rid of the minor chips or flaws I accumulated or

2. The Sandblast method which was the more preferred method by one Pwder Coat company really, but I didn't go there due to budgetary constraints.

The Spectrum company had some wee reservations on that my sandblast could've been a wee bit better, but hey I'm new to this.

A few guys saw my rims and it looked like unfinished potter or clay in texture after the sandblast. Now it is the question of my rims looking like a flat black finish because I didn't clear coat it and it may have some texture compared to a glossy smooth finish.

Hopefully my trek will keep you guys better informed and you can make much better decisions financially and artistically to the way you want to do your rims.

For around $280.00 approx on this drastic change, I will measure the results and post the sequential picture stages with narration by weekend.

Stay tuned...,[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think you'll be safe with the sandblasting.

I would assume that you would get approx 4mils of coating, which should level out any small imperfections. (unless you had some big divits from the sand.)

[CarDemon]

There are very few times in the ghetto and projects of life where a hustlin brothaman can make a trek into the unknown and comeback with a pretty good story to tell. I was feeling so good I had to blast Keith Murray's 'THE MOST BEAUTIFULLEST THING IN THIS WORLD' as it came on the radio.

For those of you that have been following my journal, I picked up my powdercoated OEM P5 rims done in gun metal. It costed me $100.00 for the 4 rims as mentioned earlier.

I met one of the main guys there who handed me my rims from off the loading-dock and he said he was amazed out how they turned out. In a previous thread above this I had mentioned that one of the initial guys, looked at my sandblasted rims and was iffy on the finished product. I told those guys about his initial impression and they said he was just a born pessimist. I understand because sometimes my mindset and life's expectations are set a wee lower than great, that way I can be pleasantly surprised. That is a whole entire philosophical post.

This weekend I will hopefully mount the tires on and put them on my car. If I don't, at least you guys will see 1 rim. Additional notes this guy gave me was to put a rim wax on it before exposing it to the elements.

As I paid the money to the guys there they also commented on that THE PLACE OF WHICH I WENT TO CALLED BLASTAL COATINGS DID AN EXCELLENT JOB OF SANDBLASTING FOR $25.00/rim. They photocopied the business card and said they would even send potential customers there too.

So far my total is $240.00 and probably another $40.00 to mount and balance my wheels on my car.

Since I am old school with the 35mm camera, I will finish up the film this Friday with the tires mounted and perhaps on the car.

stay tuned as I want to put together a storyboard with the posted pics....  http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[Mike_Moss]

nice job, Mike! http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[dr_sarcasm]

Like I said earlier - I love this blog stuff.

http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif


dr_&quot;we need more stories like this&quot;_sarcasm.

[CarDemon]

General Information About PowderCoating & Process
http://www.spectrumindustrialcoatings.com/what_is_powder_coating.asp
========================
My Personal Links & Businesses Used


Techno Strip Ltd.(Industrial Chemical Striping)
1 Blair Drive, Brampton, ON
L6T 2H4
Tel: 905.459.6196
Fax: 905.459.6298
http://www.technostrip.com/
http://www.technostrip.com/visit.html

Metal cleaning, depainting, stripping, derusting and rust inhibiting, degreasing, sanding and buffing of large volume items, other chemical and thermal processes.
===========================
Blastal Coating Services
353 Clarence St.
Brampton, ON
L6W 1T6
Phone: 905-459-2001
FAX: 905-459-9320
Toll Free Phone: 877-459-2001
Contact Ken Davidson

Blast cleaning and applicators of protective cortings on steel surfaces, coatings.
Products: Blast cleaning services; coating & protective; coatings: protective; painting & spraying: contract
===========================
SPECTRUM POWDERCOATERS
63 MEDULA AVENUE
TORONTO, ONT
M8Z 5L6
416 622 4595
Westmall&Queensway Area
Contacts: Roy,Alex, Mike

Step#1. Have your tires, valve, stems, wheel balancers and center caps removed from your alloy rims. Store various items in a clear plastic ziplock bag and keep in a safe place.

Step#2. Go to a Coin-Op and powerwash your rims so they are decently cleaned for transporting in your car.

Step#3. Visually inspect your rims.
If they are in mint condition they only need to be chemically stripped.

If they have minor to heavy scratches you need to probably go to the sandblaster mentioned above or you can dremel or sand them out yourself by hand.

Step#4. If you have pictures or an actual metal sample of the colour rims you want.., take it to the powdercoating place so they can go through a catologue with you to choose the best match.

Remember to call ahead at each of these places and tell them what you are bringing. You will be required to leave your name and contact information and they will give you A CASH PRICE which you will pay UPON PICK-UP.

Remember they are industrial companies with other mass products so they will get to your rims when they see fit. Turnaround time can be 3-7days to do a proper job and to RELOAD THEIR SPRAY & BAKE LINES.

Remember to transport your wheels safely with garbage bags and carboard inbetween to prevent clanging.