Best finish for OZ 8-spokes?
Discussion
There are bound to be loads of opinions, but thought It would be really useful to see the various different finishes people have applied to their 8-spokes, ie spraying vs powder coating etc....
I'm planning to refurbish mine in the near future, and whilst originality is good, sometimes a modern take can be an improvement....
Any thoughts and photos greatly appreciated!
I'm planning to refurbish mine in the near future, and whilst originality is good, sometimes a modern take can be an improvement....
Any thoughts and photos greatly appreciated!
I don't think you can beat the diamond cut finish. It's not hardy though and the lacquer is prone to peeling every few years.
If you decide to go original diamond cut, also think carefully about where you take them.
I had mine refurbished 4 years ago when I bought the car. A bad job - the 'diamond cut' was totally uneven so line marks could be seen all around the rim.
I've just had them done again (peeling lacquer) and the finish is perfect. They were done by Lepsons in Kent.
I know some people go diamond cut and no lacquer to avoid the peel, so that's an option although higher maintenance as they require polishing.
If you're considering painting them, a shadow chrome finish would give you a similar effect from 10 feet away, and durability.
If you decide to go original diamond cut, also think carefully about where you take them.
I had mine refurbished 4 years ago when I bought the car. A bad job - the 'diamond cut' was totally uneven so line marks could be seen all around the rim.
I've just had them done again (peeling lacquer) and the finish is perfect. They were done by Lepsons in Kent.
I know some people go diamond cut and no lacquer to avoid the peel, so that's an option although higher maintenance as they require polishing.
If you're considering painting them, a shadow chrome finish would give you a similar effect from 10 feet away, and durability.
jned2 said:
Did you get them at a recent auction?
Nope, wasn't that 2 new and 2 used?I did bid but didn't win, in hindsight perhaps should have bid a bit more but it adds up with commission (20% ?) and cost of collecting or carrier etc.
Apologies to Op for taking thread a bit off subject
FARKIT said:
Mohitos - I'm based in Kent, so that could be a good option.
Did they restore the black colouring as well, and approximately how much do they charge (if you don't mind me asking)?
There's no doubt that the original look is fantastic!
Well if you're in Kent then it's an absolute no brainer for you, as Lepsons are the best in the business (according to many, not just me!). They're in Gillingham.Did they restore the black colouring as well, and approximately how much do they charge (if you don't mind me asking)?
There's no doubt that the original look is fantastic!
The cost is £280 + VAT for 4 wheels. Yes, they will paint the black sections as per original spec and they will come back looking as new.
http://www.lepsons.com/prices/
I know there are cheaper places around - and some may be just as good. I'd just be very careful who you go with as quite a few of us have been dissatisfied with refurbished Diamond Cut finishes.
Here's the only shot I can find of mine before the recent refurb. You may be able to see the lines left around the rim by poor lathe cutting - plus peeling lacquer:
And here's a couple photos of mine post refurb:
Edited by mohitos on Sunday 27th April 12:04
Edited by mohitos on Sunday 27th April 12:08
I have tried the spraying idea, results are fairly good with a grey/silver colour and heavy duty clear lacquer, lots of fiddly masking of the black areas, ok but nothing like as good as diamond cut.. Once I complete my first round of the refurb of whole car, I will revisit the wheel dilemma. ,! 
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