Doesn't sound worth the risk. Personally, I'm going to try the VHT engine metallic or their "flame-proof" stuff for headers, etc. Just clean, wet sand, prime, paint, add clear if you want. Track wheels, so perfection isn't important.

 

I have seen lug nuts back out on PC'd wheels. Be sure to surface the area and go with a reputable powder coater.

---
Brandon

 

I don't think there is much controversy that a hot bake P.C. weakens alloys. That's pretty established (that it does). The question is can your specific wheel affort the drop in strength?

The controversy is from people looking at single incidences and trying to make general claims. It's easy to get all "anecdotal" on this one.

Is it safe? On an OEM rim I'd say yes because of their bulky heavy over design. Pretty likely they are safe to PC even if tracked. They won't be close to failure when xx% of strength is lost from a hot bake.

An aftermarket rims? Usually lighter with a lower factor of safety for strength. Extra strength means extra weight. Unless you were there for the design of it... it's a gamble. I'm sure there are some rims out there that even a few % lost in strength could cause many failures. "light weight" sells wheels, and strength comes at the cost of weight (generally).

No one can ever tell you as a general rule whether PC is safe or not.

 

The linked threads have spoke cracked OEM wheels....

 

Really?? Damn that stuff is really on there then
I've tried both types of aircraft remover and even brake cleaner as a last resort
Only got down to bare metal in some areas

 

Yeah I just checked the 6UL to make sure I wasn't crazy (since pretty sure the 6ULR is off their site now) and it says painted/clearcoated. It is super durable compared to most painted finishes...wish I could get them to paint my car with the same stuff

http://949racing.com/15x8-6ul-matte-bronze.aspx

 

But you don't HAVE to expose wheels to damaging temperatures to get them powdercoated! Use a process that doesn't!

No, there is no "question" about it, you shouldn't put your wheels through a process that will degrade strength. The *answer* is to ensure that the PCer uses processes that are compatible with heat-treated aluminum wheels. There is no reason to degrade strength properties *at all* when you can get wheels PC'd at 350F or lower.