Mounting Newly Powder Coated Rims to Car

[OL JENNY]

I have read some of the previous post on mounting tires to powder coated rims and protecting the rim from the lug wrench. Is there anything that should be done to the surface of the rim where the lug nut will make contact as it tightens up?

[CarlG]

You can either spot-face the area where the lug nut makes contact to remove the powder coat, or the vendors sell conical washers that you could use.

[katy]

Stuff a piece of rag or paper in your lug wrench so it doesn't go so far down on the nut as to touch the rim.

[mike657894]

You could put some masking tape on the wrench where it comes in contact

[Dave in MN]

As CarlG says above, spot-face the area of contact of the lug nut. I think this method is best practice. If you leave the powder coating on the surface, you risk causing it to crack beyond the actual contact area when tightening or removing the lug nuts. The powder coating between the lug nut and the wheel could cause the wheel to loosen while driving and cause more damage to the wheel. JMO. The coating can be removed with a 1" ball shaped grinding stone in a die grinder.
Good Day!

[Y-Blockhead]

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I shrunk a large piece of shrink tubing over may "special" 13/16" socket to protect the rim . Durable for future removal.

I also use the S/S conical washers that Carl mentioned.

[OL JENNY]

Thanks for the information. When spot-facing the contact area do you just scuff the surface off of the powder coating or do you try and take it down to bare metal?

[OL JENNY]

Can I assume that using the s/s conical washers on a normal rim (not enlarged hole) is oK.

[Mitch//pa]

Conical washers are fine to use on a good rim.. That being said I just put the lug nuts on without taking anything to bare metal. Never had a problem with chipping of the PC or loosening of the wheel

[OL JENNY]

Thanks for the ideas and information. Like so many things with our hobby there are often more than one correct answer, it is up to us to choose which one we prefer. I will have to say Mitch's approach would make my life simpler since I do not have a die grinder. Thanks again to all.

[V4F]

use the wheel saver washers & all is good . mine have been that way a long time with no problems .................. steve



00011-1

ACORN NUT WASHER- stainless 1928-31

Installs under the lug nut to make worn wheels fit better. Sold each. 21A P.22

[glenn in camino]

I made a tool to scrape away paint or powder coating from the lug holes in my Model A wheels

[Cape Codder]

I installed new tires on powder coated rims about two years ago. I didn't remove any powder coating however I check the tightness of all the lug nuts periodically. I must say I have had to tighten one or two on occasion.

My other comment about this project is that I have S/S lug nuts but did not put anything in the socket so now I have some marks. On the other hand I bought some clear plastic tubing that fits the socket on the outside AND also the EXTENSION!

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

I put a little silicone on the belvelled edge of the nuts. That's been 5 years ago ,with wheels removed several times. Stays tight and doesn't chip.

[marty in Ohio]

I used the washers and I found a 13/16 socket at the fleamarket and cut down the length of it so it is a little bit shorter that the lugnuts. It tightens things up but doesn't come in contact with the rim.
Marty