mikstr

thanks guys

My only concern (after some preliminary research) relates to stripping the old paint (using chemical strippers anyhow) and the heat involved in powder coating. Magnesium is a lot more reactive and has a significantly lower melting point than aluminium and I would have to mess things up. I have a call out to a local powder coating shop in regards to this.....

I can tell you that the front rim is really light! Should make for some light steering and side to side transitions

SlowHAWK

I checked a few sights as well... some say powdercoating the mag rim will be just fine as long as you dont grind or use a powersander to clean the wheel up... I guess the mag dust is very flamable!!!

I'd say use your best judgement.... I've read countless threads/articles that powder coating ANY aluminum rim should be avoided... yet there are thousands of rims coated out there and I havent' heard one tale of a failure do to coating methods/heat....

What color you gonna go with????

J.

mikstr

I too have come across conflicting info on the topic. While failure of a valve cover or something of the sort is unfortunate, it won't put your life in peril as will an exploding rim so I may opt for painting.

I am still toying with the wheel colour though. Black would be a safe bet but the dark blue (as on the bike) may be an option, as would a silver (akin to the colour of aluminium). Suggestions are welcome

cheers

superbling

Clear coated natural finish. mmmmm......

futurehawk

+1 with Superbling. Sometimes true bling requires one to be subtle.

SlowHAWK

If you don't go "Natural"... I'd look at something in the gunmetal, charcoal grey range.... this way there's a bit of a color difference between the rim and tire...

If you do go the "stripping route".... I've taken the paint of the stock rims real easily with aluminum aircraft stripper... you can buy it in any autostore... or I've used the Eastwood paint/PC dissolver... expensive and you might have to "dip" the rims in... but worked great as well.

J.

mikstr

The rims' "natural" colour was gold, not sure how that was applied though. I would have no problems with bringing them back to that if that's possible, or a sober silver would also do the trick. My fear with using chemical stippers is that magnesium is quite reactive; it would be a real shame to have the rims dissolve in the process of cleaning them

JesseW.

media blast them with something soft like walnut shells, then degrease them and polish

mikstr

thanks

mikstr

I called around to various places around Montreal and found a place that offered to strip them and powdercoat them for me. The shop owner said they work with some high-tech castings fairly frequently (including Mg) and he could do it for me. He stressed taking a very patient and cautious approach and seemd to know his stuff so I brought my sheels to him. I am having them done in a silver/grey finish btw. Will keep you guys posted.

cheers

nuhawk

Cheers, Micky! I think this is an excellent choice. Interesting color combo and will be interested to see it on the bike. I'm about to send out a set to be done - 99 rr rear and a stock (kinda) front. I've got the new bearings on the shelf but I may hold the rotors on the stockers and go to waves on the new set. I like the color combo of wet-look black for the spokes and silver edges - cleared over everything. I thought about flat but the stockers are matte and I think that look is really ho-hum. Some of the local PC guys have some really good looking stuff on their websites. I think you did the right thing by meeting with the shop owner. That way you know exactly what is going to happen to your wheels and who to hold responsible.

mikstr

Thanks I am really looking forward to getting them back, trust me! Will post pics ASAP.

On the issue of bearings, I just picked up some brand new ones for the PVM's as well. Based on information I had received some years ago from a snowmobile grass drag racer, I only use C3 grade bearings now, as well as low-friction seals (same as the ones I am running on my current wheels, have had them in there for three years now and they spin very nicely). They cost a bit more but extra friction serves no positive purpose at all and the small gains (ie. reduced friction) help every facet of the bike's performance. Take it for what it's worth.