Speciale - alloy & tyre advice please

[JW82]

Hi there,

Apologies in advance for the boring post but a bus kindly forced me into a central reservation when swinging out to turn last night. I've now got an annoying chip in the rear driver's side wheel and a small cut to the tyre wall. Took it to the local Kwik Fit this morning who said they would suggest I use superglue to stick down the tyre damage (damage is underneath the Michelin man's arm in the photo). If this really is the case then I might not even bother with the alloy refurb (as it's only small and in one place).

Is it worth replacing the tyre (this set is on 2000 miles) and refurbing the alloy?

[griff7]

JW82 said:

Hi there,

Apologies in advance for the boring post but a bus kindly forced me into a central reservation when swinging out to turn last night. I've now got an annoying chip in the rear driver's side wheel and a small cut to the tyre wall. Took it to the local Kwik Fit this morning who said they would suggest I use superglue to stick down the tyre damage (damage is underneath the Michelin man's arm in the photo). If this really is the case then I might not even bother with the alloy refurb (as it's only small and in one place).

Is it worth replacing the tyre (this set is on 2000 miles) and refurbing the alloy?

I would get it changed and get the wheel refurbished at the same time.It might have weakened the sidewall in a way that is not visible and depending on what you plan to do with the car ie track or fast road then it is not worth the risk.I just bought a spare set of four from Tyreleader for 1k and the fronts were not too expensive.

Andy

[Anjum]

griff7 said:

I would get it changed and get the wheel refurbished at the same time.It might have weakened the sidewall in a way that is not visible and depending on what you plan to do with the car ie track or fast road then it is not worth the risk.I just bought a spare set of four from Tyreleader for 1k and the fronts were not too expensive.

Andy

+1 - not worth the risk

Make sure that whoever you choose to refurb the wheel has the paint code!

[JW82]

Guys - thanks very much. I suspected as much and Superglue + Tyre scared me a bit.

Anjum - I think we may be neighbours. Assuming you have a private plate with the first part of your name!

[thebraketester]

Depends how deep its gone. if its just taken a thin layer off then it will be fine, if its gouged more than 4-5mm then I think i would be inclined to change it.

[JW82]

It's only 1-2m deep on the surface (the photo shows it as not even hanging off). Width wise, I'd say 3-5mm.

[thebraketester]

I would run it.

[griff7]

JW82 said:

It's only 1-2m deep on the surface (the photo shows it as not even hanging off). Width wise, I'd say 3-5mm.

If it was my daily mile muncher and i was only going too and from work and general motoring within the normal speed limits then maybe yes i might chance it.If you drive at all hard either road or track at any time then it really is not worth the risk in a car as capable as the Speciale.It would be on my mind all the time when pushing on and for less than £200 for a replacement its not worth the risk.Its what you can't see that is the danger not what you can see.

[Anjum]

JW82 said:

Anjum - I think we may be neighbours. Assuming you have a private plate with the first part of your name!

Yes, that's right!

Then we'll just have to go for a beer and discuss!

[Foxmod]

My Local F dealer re-furbished a similar wheel problem on my Scud for £50! - I'd investigate even if you don't change the tyre

[GrahamPM]

James - it sounds like you need a spare set of Speciale wheels with Pirelli Zero tyres fitted, for 'normal' use!
PM if you're interested!
GPM

[Anjum]

Foxmod said:

My Local F dealer re-furbished a similar wheel problem on my Scud for £50! - I'd investigate even if you don't change the tyre

£50? I'll send my next lot to you! I normally pay somewhere between £80 to £200!

[JW82]

Showed the car to HR Owen briefly yesterday and the chap said the tyre was completely fine.

50 quid for an alloy refurb sounds like a deal to me. I got quoted almost three times that! Where is the place you suggest please!

[thebraketester]

[F17 GTB]

I would recommend wheelworksuk.co.uk near London Gatwick airport - superb work

[4rephill]

JW82 said:

It's only 1-2m deep on the surface.......

The cars only 1.95 metres wide!

[keith jecks]

I always use wheel works in Crawley too! I think it will be £50+VAT. They take the wheel back to bare metal and stove enamel it. Comes back looking new again