barryhiram
New member
I appreciate the suggestion, but their website won't load. You are referring to Helios Coatings Inc. in Canton, OH?
FN f(x) Pro Wheels – Custom Coating
- Thread starter barryhiram
- Start date
I appreciate the suggestion, but their website won't load. You are referring to Helios Coatings Inc. in Canton, OH?
Neil_Hruzek
New member
Roger that. I was one of the original employees there. Ran their lab and did their oem approvals before moving back to texas.
Still keep in touch with a few guy that work there. I think they are still in business.
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Still keep in touch with a few guy that work there. I think they are still in business.
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barryhiram
New member
They were my second choice if coater couldn't work out process with the Pro's.
For all you chrome haters, I plan on using LOTS of tire shine too :moon:
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barryhiram
New member
What process do they use?
Neil_Hruzek
New member
PVD
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Neil_Hruzek
New member
When I get the kids to bed I'll give some more information on the topic of caps. If the wife will let me. If not I'll post something up tomorrow. For anyone with paint questions feel free to pm me. I've got a lot of oem experience in coatings development and application. My last thing with GM was building and launching the powder systems in Oshawa and LDT.
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barryhiram
New member
From what I was told, center caps couldn't be coated with PVD due to baking temperatures, it would melt the plastic. FNW caps are plastic, TRD cap has a clear coated aluminum top with PC/ABS backing.
I'm curious on your take?
Neil_Hruzek
New member
In short, yes they can. It is all about the coating that is on the cap and what you are coating it with. Raw plastic is much easier than already coated. At the time we were the only ones who could recoat to match the wheels. I won't get into the details of how, but it can be done.
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barryhiram
New member
Interesting, will reach out to them tomorrow to see what the deal is, thanks.
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barryhiram
New member
Lol, is it possible to have too much chrome :shrug:
Neil_Hruzek
New member
Talk to marshall or mitch. Tell them neil referred you.
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barryhiram
New member
Thanks Neil.
RedSled
New member
I have seen some of the work this place does, and it is outstanding.
PermaStar® Chrome - Automotive Gallery
PermaStar® Chrome - Automotive Gallery
barryhiram
New member
Will check them out too, thanks!
barryhiram
New member
Update:
[MENTION=142004]Neil_Hruzek[/MENTION] gave them a call, left VM but no return call :shrug:
[MENTION=106270]RedSled[/MENTION], Permastar also confirmed PVD can't be applied to plastic, thanks for the suggestion though.
[MENTION=142004]Neil_Hruzek[/MENTION] gave them a call, left VM but no return call :shrug:
[MENTION=106270]RedSled[/MENTION], Permastar also confirmed PVD can't be applied to plastic, thanks for the suggestion though.
barryhiram
New member
Ok, now for round two…………..Center Caps!
We (Dustin & I) discussed different options such as sticking with black FNW caps and add decals or TRD resin emblems as others have done, purchasing brushed aluminum OEM Toyota TRD caps, or repainting caps with chrome paint. Dustin also offered to include a couple of extra (slightly blemished) caps for me to experiment with. Again, top notch service!
I really like Toyota’s TRD cap with red lettering (pictured in an earlier post and my second choice), but didn’t feel finish complimented these wicked awesome wheels. After contemplating all options, they just didn’t quite fit the bill for what I was envisioning………hey I’ve come this far why settle now, eh. So the search began.
First, PVD coating was out of the question because of the cap material………ABS plastic, during the process they’re heated to 400 degrees, caps would become one big blob. If going with TRD caps, might be able to try to delaminate plastic backing from aluminum cover, then apply PVD or chrome powder coat. Not ready to possibly mangle a set of brand new caps………..yet!
Second, decals or emblems, several member have been quite inventive with these center caps, they really look cool, but did not fit my need………….at this point. This would be my third choice.
Lastly chrome paint (or another color), well, after much research didn’t feel results would live up to my requirements, and would be last choice.
Remembering they’re several automotive trim parts that have a chrome finish and are plastic, there must be a process out there that could handle my need. Using “The Goggle” did several searches, low and behold came up with a really cool chrome like process. Two of the big players are;
Spectra Chrome ... Advanced "Spray-On" Chrome Technology
FUTURECHROME | THE BEST SPRAY CHROME
“Chrome any surface by using HQ pure silver, distilled water and a specially formulated top coat providing unmatched durability and flexibility”
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W5D8-91i_ac" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HfAn18KJoc0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
After watching the videos, felt like this might be the solution I’ve been looking for! Called Futurechrome to inquire about dealers in my area, found a local shop two towns away…………boom! Contacted the owner then dropped off a new set of TRD caps! Plan is to chrome caps, then use red chrome for lettering if everything goes as planned. Hoping they’ll be done by time wheels arrive………….fingers crossed!
We (Dustin & I) discussed different options such as sticking with black FNW caps and add decals or TRD resin emblems as others have done, purchasing brushed aluminum OEM Toyota TRD caps, or repainting caps with chrome paint. Dustin also offered to include a couple of extra (slightly blemished) caps for me to experiment with. Again, top notch service!
I really like Toyota’s TRD cap with red lettering (pictured in an earlier post and my second choice), but didn’t feel finish complimented these wicked awesome wheels. After contemplating all options, they just didn’t quite fit the bill for what I was envisioning………hey I’ve come this far why settle now, eh. So the search began.
First, PVD coating was out of the question because of the cap material………ABS plastic, during the process they’re heated to 400 degrees, caps would become one big blob. If going with TRD caps, might be able to try to delaminate plastic backing from aluminum cover, then apply PVD or chrome powder coat. Not ready to possibly mangle a set of brand new caps………..yet!
Second, decals or emblems, several member have been quite inventive with these center caps, they really look cool, but did not fit my need………….at this point. This would be my third choice.
Lastly chrome paint (or another color), well, after much research didn’t feel results would live up to my requirements, and would be last choice.
Remembering they’re several automotive trim parts that have a chrome finish and are plastic, there must be a process out there that could handle my need. Using “The Goggle” did several searches, low and behold came up with a really cool chrome like process. Two of the big players are;
Spectra Chrome ... Advanced "Spray-On" Chrome Technology
FUTURECHROME | THE BEST SPRAY CHROME
“Chrome any surface by using HQ pure silver, distilled water and a specially formulated top coat providing unmatched durability and flexibility”
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W5D8-91i_ac" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HfAn18KJoc0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
After watching the videos, felt like this might be the solution I’ve been looking for! Called Futurechrome to inquire about dealers in my area, found a local shop two towns away…………boom! Contacted the owner then dropped off a new set of TRD caps! Plan is to chrome caps, then use red chrome for lettering if everything goes as planned. Hoping they’ll be done by time wheels arrive………….fingers crossed!
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Neil_Hruzek
New member
So the process permastar uses a coating (a type of epoxy if I remember correct) which has a high cure temperature. Helios uses a different coating which does not require a high cure temperature. That is the big difference between the two. When I was there permastar was having issues with OEM approvals because their application temperature exceeded the max specified.
With PVD and coatings the base has to be very smooth and a high surface tension. If you don't have that you will have adhesion and appearance issues. The majority of oem center caps use a UV curable coating.
Sorry got to go, wife is calling. PM me if you still have issues getting a hold of them.
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With PVD and coatings the base has to be very smooth and a high surface tension. If you don't have that you will have adhesion and appearance issues. The majority of oem center caps use a UV curable coating.
Sorry got to go, wife is calling. PM me if you still have issues getting a hold of them.
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Neil_Hruzek
New member
http://www.redspot.com/products/pvd.html
Example of uv curable coating for plastic.
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Example of uv curable coating for plastic.
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headpaneer
New member
Well, barryhiram, I applaud your efforts and diligence in going for your goals and doing something different! Can’t wait to see how the finished product looks. :rockon:
I wonder if Future Chrome can apply a black chrome finish to the “4Runner” on my tailgate. Nice looking stuff. And I have always thought about chroming my collection of skulls.
I wonder if Future Chrome can apply a black chrome finish to the “4Runner” on my tailgate. Nice looking stuff. And I have always thought about chroming my collection of skulls.
