Reply to: Alloy wheel refurb

[darmstadt]

I didn't realise you were a mincing hairdresser

Can't be mincing as I did both the mother and daughter this weekend Just a quick touch up of their tints...

[Churchill]

..... (saw a Vitara 4x4 for less than €2,000 so thought of going for that.) .....

I didn't realise you were a mincing hairdresser

I din't realise you were a mincing hairdresser's boyfriend - Shirley?

[Peoplesoft bloke]

..... (saw a Vitara 4x4 for less than €2,000 so thought of going for that.) .....

I didn't realise you were a mincing hairdresser

[darmstadt]

I also don't know what to do, should I splash out nearly €3,000 for another set of rims and tyres to be used for the winter (legal requirement) or buy an old banger instead for winter use for the same price (saw a Vitara 4x4 for less than €2,000 so thought of going for that.) I suppose, seeing as others, I could say that summer tyres are 245/30x19 and 265/30x19 (ZR rated) and winter are only 225/45x18 and 245/45x18 unless I want to fit chains then they're only 225 size.

[Moscow Mule]

Come on thread, stand up for yourself! You're not boring, just informative...

[ASB]

On a car like the mondeo it's a simple strip and repaint. Quite a few of those places in and around the SE (IIRC that's where you are)
Have a search on the pistonheads forum for recommendations. PS if you put the wrong sized wheels on your speedo could end up wrong

Most management systems allow you to recalibrate to correct this. you may well need to get hold of the diag software, however some (e.g. bmw) will let you do it through the on board menu (once you know how to unlock it).

[Peoplesoft bloke]

Only if the rolling diameter changes, which is unlikely as the bigger the wheel, the lower the profile tyre that will have been fitted.

We are not living in 1972 anymore bagpus.

Precisely - the 18s are running 40% profile - the 17s run a deeper sidewall so end up the same diameter.

[DimPrawn]

PS if you put the wrong sized wheels on your speedo could end up wrong

Only if the rolling diameter changes, which is unlikely as the bigger the wheel, the lower the profile tyre that will have been fitted.

We are not living in 1972 anymore bagpus.

[Bagpuss]

Between the two - 18" off my Mondeo. There's a bit of corrosion and it's only going to get worse if I don't do something. TBH the 18" rims are a PITA - they weren't my choice - if I hadn't shelled out for new tyres (would I get geek points for mentioning they are 225/40 18's?) I might get a set of 17s instead.

On a car like the mondeo it's a simple strip and repaint. Quite a few of those places in and around the SE (IIRC that's where you are)
Have a search on the pistonheads forum for recommendations. PS if you put the wrong sized wheels on your speedo could end up wrong

[Olly]

But Lepsons are pricey.....
Those guys I mentioned don't seem to have anything much bad written about them and are half the price of Lepsons.

[Lockhouse]

The chrome had gone on mine so I had them powder coated in silver for £45 per wheel.

[minsky1]

Refurb is cheap and nasty, usually done with the tyre on the rims.

If you want it done properly use http://www.lepsons.com/

For not much more you can have them dipped (cleaned) and refinished, which will make them as new. - The method of choice for us Porsche boys .....

The only drawback is you'll be without the wheels for a couple of days (unless you can get to them, in which case they can lend you a set if they have suitable sizes & fitments).

If they're aftermarket wheels dont bother, but if they are factory fit, it makes all the difference when selling the car on.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

Depends. Are we talking the 15" wheels off your Fiesta or specialist 19" split rims that cost £2000 each from Porsche?

If the latter then a few hundred quid is money well spent.

Between the two - 18" off my Mondeo. There's a bit of corrosion and it's only going to get worse if I don't do something. TBH the 18" rims are a PITA - they weren't my choice - if I hadn't shelled out for new tyres (would I get geek points for mentioning they are 225/40 18's?) I might get a set of 17s instead.

[Olly]

It's not so pricey..
look at BJV Engineering www.wheelrefurbishing.com
I plan to use them for my 5 spoke 18" AMGs
piston heads forum says a few positive things about them

[DimPrawn]

Anyone had any done? looking at some of the prices I'd be as well buying new wheels off eBay.

Depends. Are we talking the 15" wheels off your Fiesta or specialist 19" split rims that cost £2000 each from Porsche?

If the latter then a few hundred quid is money well spent.