Sonic Carbon color change--Photos of silver/white Model S with Sonic Carbon slipstream wheels

[PhilDavid]

The powder coating process includes using electrostatic charged particles that tend to adhere well and more evenly to the surface and then it is heat cured. It’s supposed to be more durable and have a glossier finish.

Thanks! How long is the curing/baking process for powder coating? Is this something a well equipped mobile wheel shop can handle?

I assume they'd use a special high heat tolerant paint?

 

[EVortex]

Thanks! How long is the curing/baking process for powder coating? Is this something a well equipped mobile wheel shop can handle?

I assume they'd use a special high heat tolerant paint?

The particles are actually a powder, thus the name powder coating. The curing process melts the particles and when it cools a hard coating if formed. I think the curing temp is somewhere around 400 degrees F and it doesn’t take too long - 20 minutes or so.

 

[EVortex]

The particles are actually a powder, thus the name powder coating. The curing process melts the particles and when it cools a hard coating if formed. I think the curing temp is somewhere around 400 degrees F and it doesn’t take too long - 20 minutes or so.

I would look for a shop particularly equipped for and experienced in powder coating and I would ask to see examples of their work. I use a shop in Sacramento called Rim Pros. They can do a three layer process that combines powder coating and painting - that’s how they can get the sonic carbon color that matches the stock center caps.

 

[PhilDavid]

I would look for a shop particularly equipped for and experienced in powder coating and I would ask to see examples of their work. I use a shop in Sacramento called Rim Pros. They can do a three layer process that combines powder coating and painting - that’s how they can get the sonic carbon color that matches the stock center caps.

Super helpful! Thanks. I guess then a clear coat is applied on top?

 

[Flyguy]

I would look for a shop particularly equipped for and experienced in powder coating and I would ask to see examples of their work. I use a shop in Sacramento called Rim Pros. They can do a three layer process that combines powder coating and painting - that’s how they can get the sonic carbon color that matches the stock center caps.

What did rim pros charge per wheel? Did it include all mounting and balancing?

 

[EVortex]

Super helpful! Thanks. I guess then a clear coat is applied on top?

Yes, that’s the final layer. The first layer is a black base and the second layer is sonic carbon.

 

[Flyguy]

I had my silver slipstreams powder coated shortly after I bought my 2017 model S. I did not try and match the Tesla sonic carbon. I had the wheels powder coated, the calipers painted, and all mounting and balancing for $1,200

 

[EVortex]

Yes, that’s the final layer. The first layer is a black base and the second layer is sonic carbon.

I had this one powder coated and the center cap is stock from Tesla. I think it turned out nice.

 

[PhilDavid]

I had my silver slipstreams powder coated shortly after I bought my 2017 model S. I did not try and match the Tesla sonic carbon. I had the wheels powder coated, the calipers painted, and all mounting and balancing for $1,200

Good tire choice!

How are the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ holding up?

 

[EVortex]

What did rim pros charge per wheel? Did it include all mounting and balancing?

The last time I used them was about a year and a half ago and it was $900 for a full set of arachnids including unmount, strip, coat, mount, and balance.

 

[Daniellane]

Customized my stock Wheels & Calipers!

 

[treowx]

 

[Flyguy]

Good tire choice!

How are the Pilot Sport A/S 3+ holding up?

So far so good. With everything going on, I haven’t even managed to put 2000 miles on them in five months. And, did not get a chance to take them to the snow this spring. They handle pretty well, but not as well as the S04 pole positions I just came from. But, I really did not want to have to switch wheels to go to the snow.

 

[obie_fl]

There's some paint codes posted above but does anyone have a code for powder?

 

[EVortex]

There's some paint codes posted above but does anyone have a code for powder?

To my knowledge, there isn’t one in powder coat for sonic carbon. There are other mixes that get close, but not close enough to match to the stock center cap.

 

[obie_fl]

To my knowledge, there isn’t one in powder coat for sonic carbon. There are other mixes that get close, but not close enough to match to the stock center cap.

Kind of figured that was the case just wondering what those who have powder coated have used. Your picture above looks pretty close do you know what they used?

 

[EVortex]

Kind of figured that was the case just wondering what those who have powder coated have used. Your picture above looks pretty close do you know what they used?

Base black powder coat, ditzler ppg sonic carbon paint layer, clear powder coat final.

 

[obie_fl]

Thanks. So painted over the powder coat.

 

[EVortex]

Thanks. So painted over the powder coat.

Yes, it needs proper surface prep to do it right, but that how we did it. I believe it is possible to custom mix a sonic carbon powder, but it would take trial and error and meticulous approach to document the formula for reuse. I would be willing to pay for a near perfect mix.

 

[PhilDavid]

So far so good. With everything going on, I haven’t even managed to put 2000 miles on them in five months. And, did not get a chance to take them to the snow this spring. They handle pretty well, but not as well as the S04 pole positions I just came from. But, I really did not want to have to switch wheels to go to the snow.

These were the same reason I switched to Pilot Sport A/S 3+. I still have not driven in snow either so was curious for Model S first hand accounts on these tires while driving on snow.