Wheels: Powdercoating x Paiting

[geoffduc]

Nate when i had my wheels powder coated i removed the bearings and rubber seals before they were PCed and then installed new bearings +seals as the extra cost to my mind was worth it.

[ProTeal55]

I would def. go the P.Coating route vs. paint.
I plan to strip and powdercoat mine sometime this winter (not sure what color/finish yet-need to spend some time on Photoshop ).
Plan is to remove from bike - tear down - blast the old/stock paint off and then powdercoat..

[jamanta]

i'll probably go the PC route since it is cheaper and more durable. can anyone tell me if i need to replace the bearings and such or can i just use the old ones?

[Cider]

To remove the bearings, you have to push (or pull) on the inner race, which can damage the bearing.  Most people replace them for that reason.  I've replaced some and reused others.  You'll just have to see what condition they are in when they come out.

[ducpainter]

Nate when i had my wheels powder coated i removed the bearings and rubber seals before they were PCed and then installed new bearings +seals as the extra cost to my mind was worth it.

That was the point of my post.

When people compare costs of pc vs. liquid coatings they often fail to include all the variables.

Personally I wouldn't re-use bearings after removal because as others have said they must be driven out and the possibility of damage is high.

[jamanta]

in the end it will probably be the same thing. i may now just have it painted so i don't have to go through the hassle of remove the bearings, etc.

i'm going to try to get a better price from the painter

i will post images soon 

[He Man]

My rear wheel had no bearings, but my front wheel does, i just left them in. Ive got about 3 or 4k on them since i PCed them. they feel fine, had them running at 90-120mph for 4 hours straight superslab with no issues.