To paint, or not to paint... that is the question.

Zack01GC · May 26, 2011

Well, I finally got my front wheel painted the way I wanted, and I went to clean the rear wheel to start prepping it, and I find that it has a decent chunk missing from the outer bearing cup, hence the reason it wouldn't spin smoothly.

Now, the problem is that the only other rear wheel I have is a New Departure. It is the original (partially rusty) chrome with aluminum (I think) spokes, works nice, it just needs trued. I'm not sure if it's rare, and whether I should or shouldn't paint it to match the front one.

So here are my options:
1. It's not worth that much, just paint it to match the front one
2. Sell it and get another more common coaster brake wheel to paint

Thanks in advance for any input. I'd hate to ruin something that has some value.

yoothgeye · May 27, 2011

Knowing what you know about the wheel (not much), what is it worth to you?

I'll chop up something valuable in an instant based on the fact that most of my parts are freebies and I can't sell anything around here.

So, once again, what is it worth to you, if it's a good rider, paint it and ride.

Tommy Atoms · May 27, 2011

Why not a bearing set?

Zack01GC · May 27, 2011

The cup is chipped in the hub. There is a 1/4 chunk missing entirely. I know, change the hub... but I hate doing that, and lacing wheels. I'd rather just buy another than have to do all of that (again... did it twice. No thanks)

I think I might just paint the New Departure once I true it. It was free with the bike. If it does have any value, it can be stripped/media blasted by the next owner. I still want to use the thick spokes of the wheel with the junk hub.

Not relacing, though.