HRE Wheels by LPC

[M3Matt]

Wanted to make a thread about my journey in refinishing my HRE 448Rs for my M3. Originally they were the brushed aluminum finish and while they looked great, I was ready for a change. After much debate, I was set on powder coating them b/c of how durable powder coating was. I also wanted to go with a darker look and finally found the perfect color for what I was looking for, ultra black chrome (close to BBS black diamond). I had deflated the tires in hopes of keeping the tires on and not breaking the seal between the inner barrel and outer lips (and was successful on 3). My brother and I disassembled the centers and then chemically stripped them. I then brought them to Martin at liquid powder coats ( www.liquidpowdercoats.com ). Not only was he local but his prices were amazing and carried the premier powder in the industry (NIC). I literally had 7000 colors to choose from (check out his website to see some). I had also come to realize that most powder coaters were not car-guys but more into the industrial services.

Very happy how everything came out & couldn’t ask for a better service as media blasting & clear coat was included in the price (did save some $$ since I chemically stripped them). Here are some pics of the experience. I will update later as we get all the wheels on and will do a proper photo shoot in a week or so. Thanks for looking.

Original color of the wheels (old pic)


Taking the centers off


centers



outer barrels – I was able to keep the tires on by deflating all of the air. However one of the barrels separated so I had to have the tire dismounted so that I could seal the inner barrel to the outer lip


chemical stripper….nasty stuff, but gets the job done



all clean – bare aluminum


fresh powder


assembly


new sealer on the barrel/lip



quick test fit - jack stands