Can they powdercoat rims in metallic colors? Is powdercoating stronger ( less scratching & chipping ) when mounting tires. roughly how much does it cost?

I have just purchased 2-15X10 and 2-15X8 raw smoothie wheels from the House of Wheels for a C10 shortbed. They offer powdercoating at $35 per wheel for standard colors. Most other wheel companies such as Stockton Wheel and Wheel Vantiques(Spelling?) offer the same at or near $35 a wheel as well. They all advertise custom colors but you you have to call and ask for pricing.

Powdercoating is a standard coating that is chip resistant and is easy to clean brake dust off. As long as you properly clean and maintain your wheels you will have no rust problems and the wheels finish will last for many years.

As far as scratching the wheels when mounting new tires. You are at the mercy of the tire store. Ask them to show and demonstrate to you how they will properly mount your tires without scratching your wheels. They should show you without any hesitation.

It's just like anything else when restoring or modifying your ride... You get what you pay for!

Good luck, and post some pictures of your new wheels when you get them.

These are just used stock rims I want to paint stock color & put stock dog dish hubcaps.

Powder coat comes in pretty much any color, solid or metallic, there's even some finishes that look like polished metal (chrome, gold etc). If you can't find someone to do it, there's a DIY kit you can buy from Eastwood. I think blasting and powdercoating a set of 4 wheels usually runs about $200-250 around here, so I don't think the kit will pay off if you don't plan on powdercoating a lot of parts.

Ask your local tire dealers, they might be able to tell you who's doing it in your area.