E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Suspension & Steering => Topic started by: 76orangewagon on March 19, 2017, 05:19:56 AM

Title: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 76orangewagon on March 19, 2017, 05:19:56 AM
I have a set of Doctor Diff/Resto rick 2944450 wheels and I want to have my local Powder Coater finish them in their correct Black (X9). I know the factory finish was considered a gloss from the manufacture but was not even close to what I think of as glossy. My Powder coaters gloss is way to glossy to look factory. He also has a satin that has a slight sheen and to me looks closer to a factory finish. Would this work or should I look for another option. I have read about taking gloss Black and adding a flattening agent but would like to avoid paint if possible for durability. Thank you for any and all input, I know there is a lot of experience here and value your opinions. I really want to make this car as correct as possible even if the wheels are clones I want an accurate finished product.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: HEMICUDA on March 19, 2017, 05:38:24 AM
Ross, if you power coat them, you will loose much of the detail on the numbers and Penta Star.  If you do decide to power coat, "chassis black" is very close.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: fc7cuda on March 19, 2017, 05:41:29 AM
Quote from: HEMICUDA on March 19, 2017, 05:38:24 AM
Ross, if you power coat them, you will loose much of the detail on the numbers and Penta Star. 

:iagree:

Reconsider painting them.  :alan2cents:
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 76orangewagon on March 19, 2017, 07:21:53 AM
That was one of my concerns, I would have hated to pay good money to have them correctly stamped only to fill in the numbers so they weren't visible.  I can paint them I was just concerned with durability in regards to chipping the paint when removing/installing the center caps.   
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 19, 2017, 09:25:43 AM
I like to use a 2 part single stage paint for wheels.  :alan2cents:
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 76orangewagon on March 19, 2017, 09:56:08 AM
[pdf][/pdf]
Quote from: Cuda Cody on March 19, 2017, 09:25:43 AM
I like to use a 2 part single stage paint for wheels.  :alan2cents:

What brand or code? What level of gloss ?
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: Cuda Cody on March 19, 2017, 10:02:20 AM
I use PPG paint pretty much all the time.  DP epoxy first then paint.  If I want a semi gloss or satin finish I add the flatterer in it myself.  But I tent to like things a little more on the gloss side even if it's not 100% factory correct.  Just me preference.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 76orangewagon on March 19, 2017, 04:44:19 PM
Even though the broadcast sheet is coded for X9 Black wheels would it be a terrible sin to paint them body color ?....I mean since I'm going to paint them anyway.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: anlauto on March 19, 2017, 05:05:10 PM
Yes
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: RUNCHARGER on March 19, 2017, 05:06:17 PM
I prefer the look of body colour and if you want to correct them later it's super easy to go black, not so easy to match other colours. I went chassis black powder coat on my 390's and to me the gloss looked perfect.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 71GranCoupe on March 19, 2017, 05:27:15 PM
As long as you have owned the car, I don't see it going to be "For Sale" anytime soon, so I am with Sheldon on his suggestion. Paint them how you want them, and if you decide to sell the car later, a quick coat of black paint will get them right in line. Best of both possibilities.  :cheers:
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: anlauto on March 19, 2017, 06:38:24 PM
I don't understand why people search for all the "correct" parts, spending extra time, effort to find NOS this and NOS that, proper dated this and that, etc...etc...

Then take liberties for their own personal taste.  :huh:

I mean....I get the whole "it's your car, build it your way" and I'm all about the fact that you're never going to sell it, so build it your way....
...but with that mindset, then why sweat all the other small details to get everything absolutely correct, only to do something as blatantly wrong as orange wheels ? :dunno:

If you're modifying the car from stock, then does it really matter if the springs are correct or the date on the alternator etc...

In my opinion, it should be all or nothing... :alan2cents:
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 76orangewagon on March 21, 2017, 01:00:49 PM
I see your point but since I wanted "correct" looking  steel wheels instead of aftermarket Wheel Vintiques style, which I'm told do do not look even close to "correct", I spent a little extra to make them  as authentic as possible. Most people, outside of these specialty forums would not know that the wheels were not suppose to be painted body color, heck when you do a Google search for 71 'Cuda's more than half that have 450 style wheels are body color. If I pull into most shows with body color wheels 99.99% percent of the people won't know there not correct...Yes I am trying to collect as many correct parts with close date codes but lets face it without the matching number engine and transmission it will never be or is intended to be a 100% concourse car. This car isn't being restored to sell, my intention is to keep this car till I'm on my death bed and can't drive it anymore. I have literally dreamed of someday owning this car again and like it just the way it sits now but after really looking at the numbers on the broadcast sheet realized that it should be put back a little closer to original than it is now but I don't want to not like the end product. Same goes for the Vinyl top I'm having a real tough time convincing myself I should put it back on when restoring it. There are certain tastes that everyone has and I want to exercise them without destroying something rare and desirable. I mean it's just a color of a wheel...it's not like I want to the color of the body convert it to an automatic transmission or even worse swap engine size (not another Hemi clone).
  I am really leaning toward putting F60-15 Polyglas on instead of the "Correct" E60-15 because I like a little bigger tire, again most people wont notice the small change but I'll be happier.           
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: HEMICUDA on March 21, 2017, 01:21:13 PM
Ross, I think you are will within the true meaning and spirit of the word hobby.  Big part of the fun is exactly what you are doing, so when it's no longer "fun", then you have to sell your car so your not breaking the law.


noun: hobby; plural noun: hobbies
1. an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.

Hobby | Define Hobby at Dictionary.com
1. an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation:

hobby - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com
A hobby is an activity that you do in your spare time for fun.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: RUNCHARGER on March 21, 2017, 01:35:15 PM
Yes: It has to be fun or don't do it. I hate vinyl roofs but I would have to put it back on this car, the wheel colour though no problem. The point is whatever is acceptable to the owner of the car and makes him happy.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: anlauto on March 21, 2017, 01:44:34 PM
I hear you loud and clear !
I said it was "my opinion", and that''s why I put that in bold. :alan2cents:

You want to modify the car to your tastes....go for it....it's your car....enjoy.... :slapme5:
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 750-h2 on March 21, 2017, 04:12:42 PM
Quote from: anlauto on March 19, 2017, 06:38:24 PM
I don't understand why people search for all the "correct" parts, spending extra time, effort to find NOS this and NOS that, proper dated this and that, etc...etc...

Then take liberties for their own personal taste.  :huh:

I mean....I get the whole "it's your car, build it your way" and I'm all about the fact that you're never going to sell it, so build it your way....
...but with that mindset, then why sweat all the other small details to get everything absolutely correct, only to do something as blatantly wrong as orange wheels ? :dunno:

If you're modifying the car from stock, then does it really matter if the springs are correct or the date on the alternator etc...

In my opinion, it should be all or nothing... :alan2cents:
Al I agree with you, but shouldn't this philosophy also apply to the undercoat in the wheel wells?
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: anlauto on March 21, 2017, 05:25:27 PM
Quote from: 750-h2 on March 21, 2017, 04:12:42 PM



Al I agree with you, but shouldn't this philosophy also apply to the undercoat in the wheel wells?

My own personal cars that I would consider be restored with the "correct" parts also had lots of undercoating. The last two I did, I left it off because it's ugly, and they weren't considered "correct" restos either....

All the other cars are customer preference, and for the most part people don't want it.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: MOPAR FANATIC on March 21, 2017, 05:46:14 PM
 :popcorn:  :popcorn:mmmm think i'll just.......................................  :please:      :whiteflag:
i could comment but..................naw,not now,,,, :thinking:    :angry:
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 76orangewagon on March 22, 2017, 04:46:52 PM
My car is also coded for undercoating and the door edge protectors...those won't be going back on. Although, when I see them spray the undercoating on "Graveyard Cars" it doesn't look so bad. I've always been a completely painted underside kind of guy but the primer with overspray look is growing on me.
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: fc7cuda on March 23, 2017, 12:25:25 PM
If you get a minute, could you post a pic or two of the hub from those repo 450s?  I'd like to see the lettering and date codes used.

Thanks
Title: Re: 2944450 correct wheel finish
Post by: 76orangewagon on March 23, 2017, 12:55:53 PM
These are what I have saved on my computer, I can get you some better ones tomorrow if you need them.