Wheel refurbishment

[david.mt]

Been reading a few threads about wheel refurbishment and have a couple of questions.

It appears that the studs around the wheel need to be removed or replaced when a full refurb is performed. I presume they either dissolve if acid dipped or just breakup if shot blasted? What are they made of? and are they readily available?. Are they easy to remove?

Can anyone recommend a good company in the Leeds/York area?

Thanks

[AMG Merc]

They are plastic and glued in so break when they are removed sometimes leaving the ends in. They are best removed by the wheel refurbishers following the acid bath process they use. If you can find the right size, replacement bolts can cost around 20p each and AFAIR there are 28 per wheel requiring 30-60 minutes per wheel additional labour cost so do the math as they say and it isn't worth it - leave them out - looks great!

Can post photo later...

Can't help with refurbishers in your area as am down't 'ere in smoook!

[JMG]

David, I used a company called Fenwick Supplies in Northallerton www.alloywheelrefurbishing.co.uk - they turned my silver wheels into a gloss black on my M400 last August.

AMG Merc is right about the studs and in my case Fenwicks drilled them out. They are made of a hard plastic and can be replaced but I doubt it is economical to pay someone to do it. I have left them out and the wheels look fine (might be less noticeable on black wheels though). I have to say I was very impressed with the quality/finish/service etc and would definitely recommend them. There is a photo of my car in my profile. They also powder coated my nuts!!!

Julian

[andygtt]

did you end up buying noble instead of an Ultima?

[david.mt]

andygtt said:

did you end up buying noble instead of an Ultima?

Spent a fortune inspecting several GTR's and almost bought a Can-Am but was outbid Still quite fancy a GTR but would prefer a modern engine and good build quality (and need a lowered floor).

In the meantime I want a toy for the Summer to take on track so looked at a couple of M400's which are probably a better option for pure track than the Ultima.

Have a number of options at the moment but watch this space.....and they all need their wheels refurbing which seems to be a common problem

[S26VE P]

david.mt said:

andygtt said:

did you end up buying noble instead of an Ultima?

Spent a fortune inspecting several GTR's and almost bought a Can-Am but was outbid Still quite fancy a GTR but would prefer a modern engine and good build quality (and need a lowered floor).

In the meantime I want a toy for the Summer to take on track so looked at a couple of M400's which are probably a better option for pure track than the Ultima.

Have a number of options at the moment but watch this space.....and they all need their wheels refurbing which seems to be a common problem

Due to kerb damage or lifting laquer? My GTO-3 wheels need doing really due to corrosion/laquer lifting.

[Biggriff]

I have a supply of the studs from the company in South Africa that made the original wheels, but lets just say they are not cheap....

[david.mt]

Julian - thanks for the recommendation although not too sure I like the sound of my nuts being power coated.

Stephen - every one I have seen so far have been flaking with a couple of kerb damaged wheel. Either way they needed a refurb so get them back to a decent standard.

Biggriff said:

I have a supply of the studs from the company in South Africa that made the original wheels, but lets just say they are not cheap....

So Biggriff - "not cheap" to one may be a bargain to another......drop me a PM with pleasure if you have enough for a full set of 4 and want to sell. At least I will then be armed with the actual price for a proper refurb.

One of the reason for a car like this was so I could get my hands on it and play around which I can't really do with my other cars.

[Lucozade]

i had all my alloys refurbed on my 3r and lost the fake bolts. The wheels looked perfectly fine without them.

Refurb was done via Plans Motorsport. Excellent job.