Here is my conversation with a NH based powder coating shop:
Hi Jesse,
I am interested in getting my 18" 4runner OEM wheels powder coated. I was told by another vendor that the corrosion was so pervasive that refinishing would not be possible - there would still be damage and they would not be able to guarantee their work. I am not sure if that was powder coating or just repainting. Can you please take a look at the attached pics and let me know if kwick silver would be able to help? How much does it cost per wheel? How long do you guarantee the finish? Where would the work be done and how long should I expect to have to leave the vehicle?
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Thanks for sending over the pictures... the issues you're having with these are fairly common on Toyotas and we do a lot of these for the Toyota service departments.
The other vendor you spoke with was correct in saying that applying a new finish to what's there won't resolve the problem. The only way to remedy the issues with the finish would be to strip the wheels completely first. We would need the rims bare, so you could either have the tires and sensors removed and drop off the bare rims or you could simply drop off the vehicle and we could take care of that for you.
Once the rims are bare, they are chemically stripped in a non-corrosive strip tank, then blasted to remove any remaining corrosion. The wheels are then baked with a powder coated primer, cooled, and then the new finish is applied. At this point, you have the option to refinish them in the factory color, black or some other finish you may prefer. There is no additional charge for a color we already have in stock. The rims are then baked with a powder coated primer, allowed to cool and then the tires are remounted and balanced.
The overall process takes 3-4 days and runs $175-200/wheel, depending on how the wheels are provided to us and whether we would be required to dismount/mount and balance as well as remove and install the sensors. On a side note, since the process requires the tires be removed, it is a good opportunity to do tires if they are getting low and I provide my special wholesale pricing as a thank you for using us for your repair as part of the deal, if you need them. I find a lot of customers need them anyways, and the savings on the tires helps to offset the cost of the repair by usually a couple hundred dollars.
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Jesse, thank you for your quick response. The price quoted is roughly the same as the replacement value (although it does not include labor), however my concern with replacing OEM wheels is that the new ones will just do the same thing in a few years. As you noted, it's a known issue with painted Toyota wheels. I assume powder coating is a much more durable solution. Is there any sort of guarantee/warranty on your work?
Just to clarify, it would be about 200 if I just brought in the truck and dropped it off instead of giving you the wheels already dismounted? I would like to go back to the factory color or as close to it as possible. What is the fee if you don't have it in stock?
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That's exactly right, even if you went to buy brand new ones from the dealer, (which are usually $300-600/rim) they would just do the same thing in time.
The cost would be $200/rim if you dropped off the car and let us take care of everything. There is a one year limited warranty on the finish. It obvious does not cover curb damage or things of that nature.
There would be no additional charge for that color. Since it does take a few days to do, I usually recommend dropping off early in the week, Tuesday being the latest.
