Quicktwinturbo

I'm about to buy a set of stock C55 wheels for $500 and I'm not sure which option will be the best for the long run..

Paint it or powdercoat it?
Color i'm going for is matte black or gunmetal

slowrey

I believe that paint with be lighter but powdercoating will be more durable.

TNblkc230wz

Powder coating is absolutly the only way to go. 10 times more durable and costs about the same or less if having it professionaly done. Expect about $50 per wheel for standard finishes and $75 per wheel for specialty finishes. It is what most auto restoration shops do unless they are doing a contours restoration. I would thing poweder coating is no heavier than paint. one coat of powder melted to your wheel verses primer, two coats of basecoat and two to four coats of clear coat.

FrankW

but keep in mind powdercoating also adds crap load of weight to the wheel to the already heavy 18 double spoke IV.