2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Paint question?

[GiesJ]

I am thinking of powder coating my stock steel rims on my 98 and don’t know what to do with the plastic center caps with the ram logo. Other than not putting them back on, what could I do to change this from chrome to black?



I talked to the local body shop and they said they could paint em but that it would probably chip very easily. Some friends have the equipment to paint, so I could do this on my own, but what do you guys suggest? Is there anything like powder coating for plastic? If I remember correctly they are an abs/pc blend.



Thanks for any input,

Jason

 

[GiesJ]

ttt?

 

[diesel DOG]

POR 15 can be painted over chrome. Check out the website. It is real tough stuff. With a few coats it should be fine.

 

[DPugh]

Jason

If you repaint the wheels you will have problems with paint chips. Powder coating would probably be my first choice. I have painted a lot of American Racing modular style chrome rims. I first sandblasted them to clean them up. Most of the chrome came off as well. Then I applied a coat of self etching primer, 3 coats of 2k primer surfacer, sanded them to get rid of pits, then applied color. If you do choose to paint them I would suggest an Acrylic Enamel instead of basecoat clearcoat. Black paint is cheap too, (compared to other colors). Touch ups are easier because the Enamel will dry to a gloss, and basecoat will dry to a dull finish when not clear coated. This is my experience from doing it at a body shop. Hope this helps.

Derek

 

[GiesJ]

Diesel Dog - I'm going to look into that more. thanks.



Derek - thanks for your post. I am for sure going to powder coat the wheels themselves, I just am not sure what to do about the Plastic center cap that has a 'sort of' crome paint on it. The body shop said they could paint them but that they will chip like hell because of their environment.

In your post you say

I applied a coat of self etching primer, 3 coats of 2k primer surfacer, sanded them to get rid of pits, then applied color.



can I do that to the plastic center caps? Some of the sanding will probably be pretty tough. thanks for any additional input.

J

 

[DPugh]

Jason,

For the plastic piece here's what I'd recommend, though I haven't done this to a chromed plastic, but the rules of painting plastics are still the same. Scuff the chrome with some 180 grit dry paper. If you go through the chrome into the plastic itself you will need adhesion promoter for plastic. If you don't go through, try not to, apply the primer surfacer. Good 2k primer will last longest.

After it has fully cured sand with 320 or 400 grit wet or dry. Apply color. If you use basecoat clear coat use hardener in the basecoat to improve the chip resistance. I am certified with Sherwin Williams auto finishes. All rules apply to other brands as well. Do a good job of scuffing the chrome and use good primer, and it should hold up well. Like you said before, the environment of the centers isn't the greatest, so eventually chips will happen. Nothing a touch up brush wont handle though. Any other questions feel free to ask.

 

[GiesJ]

Derek -

thank you for your post! I have an extra center cap so I'll be able to do some experimentation with that one. I'll post when I actually sand and paint something. thanks,

Jason

 

[SOOT]

Send Whitmore a PM he knows of a guy that can powder coat them and he said that they will not chip, he said that he will have his done as soon as his current tires wear out.

 

[GiesJ]

Yeah I talked with Kevin and at the time he wasn't sure of a solution for the plastic center caps. We'll see how this experiment goes. later

j