Wheel protectant

[BigBlockOlds]

I've bought a set of American Racing Torque Thrust Classics (17x11's) that have the polished aluminum rims and cast grey centers.

I will be painting the centers a different color but also would like a clear coat over the polished part of the rim to cut down on the clean up.

What are my options? My friend who is doing all of the body work and painting on my car will be painting the centers but said that the clear coat won't stick very well to the polished areas. I thought about having them shot with clear powder coat but I highly doubt the paint will hold up to that. Do I powder coat them first and then have the centers painted?
Thanks for any and all help,

[joeljet]

someone please answer him and it will save me and you the same question later. thanx joel

[ProTouring442]

I would have them powdercoated, then paint the centers. The powdercoat process bakes the part at 300-something degrees and I wouldn't want to subject my new paint to that.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

[PRRC]

unless your using a custom mixed color have the centers powdercoated the color you want and have them powdercoated clear at the same time. It will hold up better to trash of the road.