Re: refinishing '65 Veloce wheels

[JHertzman@domain.elided]

In AD7-719 Vito Pacione commented on powdercoating some Alfa wheels, 
remarking on the difficulty of getting a proper color match: "it is VERY 
difficult to find anyone to mix a small batch of powdercoat. It will be a 
minimum of $500 or so if you can even get someone to mix that small an 
amount."

I had a set of five Milano "slotted Speedline" wheels coated by a local 
powdercoater, and mixing was not an issue- he had samples (the equivalent of 
paint chip charts) displaying a very wide variety of finishes. Quality of 
execution is another question- very nice person, very cooperative but a tad 
shy on depth of experience, which did lead to some problems on those 
particular wheels which present special problems for any paint process. Later 
I saw the work of another shop deep in Stock Car country which impressed me 
very favorably: Powdertech, 1-800-952-1225 for an 
information-and-sample-price sheet. They list prices for various typical 
applications in a variety of stock colors but will match submitted samples, 
and from what I saw I believe they can. Dana Loomis, who posts from time to 
time on the digest, wrote me as follows:

"I got in touch with them about coating a set of old Campagnolo wheels for 
the GTV. I was impressed with their knowledge and responsiveness.  The job 
turned
out extremely well and the price was reasonable.  For $300 they stripped and 
coated 4 wheels on all surfaces, with a color coat and a clear top  coat.  
I'd definitely recommend this place if anyone is looking."

So, shop around. This one impressed me and they pleased Dana, and I am sure 
they are not unique. Certainly many powdercoaters are primarily interested in 
industrial work, but there should be many who do custom work, and this one 
offers a benchmark. 

John H.
Raleigh, N.C.

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