Refurbing Brabus Monoblock S Wheels - Help!

[lathemag]

Hi,

I have the 18" Brabus Monoblock S wheels on my Vito and the diamond cut finish is starting to look shabby. I'm looking to have them powder coated for a longer lasting finish.

I took it to a local Wheel Specialist and they have said that the wheel will need all of the rim bolts stripping to do the coating effectively and the rim bolts MIGHT not go back in after coating or without damaging the coating. They are recommending leaving them out (they're only cosmetic on the monoblock S.

Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone have any other suggestions?

Rgds
Laz

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Lepsons are the people to talk to:

Here's the link:

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment & Repair Experts | Lepsons

 

[poormansporsche]

They are correct. On a set of my wheels with fake bolts my local refurb place took them out to do the wheels but gave them back to me in a bag "on my head be it" . A few of the bolts didn't go all the way back in but I don't think I damaged the lacquer as because of the paint in the thread and being non structural you don't really have to tighten the bolts whatsoever really

 

[Alex]

After the coating, just re-tap the threads to clean them off the excess paint, use some loctite blue (medium strength) and screw the bolts back in. The wheels look much better with them than without.

 

[Flyinspanner]

Paint the heads before you put them in - so they look nice

 

[lathemag]

Lepsons are the people to talk to:

Here's the link:

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment & Repair Experts | Lepsons

Mike thanks for taking time to reply but Lepsons are a bit too far away for me to deal with.

 

[lathemag]

They are correct. On a set of my wheels with fake bolts my local refurb place took them out to do the wheels but gave them back to me in a bag "on my head be it" . A few of the bolts didn't go all the way back in but I don't think I damaged the lacquer as because of the paint in the thread and being non structural you don't really have to tighten the bolts whatsoever really

PMP,
Did you have genuine wheels? Why not genuine bolts? Cheers for replying btw. Where can you get the replacement bolts from btw in case I strip some?

Reds
Laz

 

[lathemag]

Paint the heads before you put them in - so they look nice

Hi Fly

I’ve got a pal at a body shop who seems to think they’ll be a bit naff if they’re not stripped properly. Going to see him tomorrow.

I should probably post some befor3 and after pics I guess.

Rgds
Laz

 

[lathemag]

After the coating, just re-tap the threads to clean them off the excess paint, use some loctite blue (medium strength) and screw the bolts back in. The wheels look much better with them than without.

Cheers Alex

I haven’t tried removing any yet but if they come out okay this may be my best option.

 

[Alex]

Cheers Alex

I haven’t tried removing any yet but if they come out okay this may be my best option.

Warm them up with a heat gun or a blow torch so you don't end up stripping the threads.

 

[Alex]

Paint the heads before you put them in - so they look nice

They are stainless steel bolts from memory. Look the best just clean.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Mike thanks for taking time to reply but Lepsons are a bit too far away for me to deal with.

I was suggesting that you call them to discuss the problem.

They are one of THE best wheel refinishing firms in the UK. What they don't know isn't worth knowing.

I knew that you are too far away for it to make much sense - although they do offer collection services.

It's irrelevant that you won't be using them. (Although obviously don't say that to them up front).

Firms will happily talk about what they can do, and what the constraints are.

Once you've got their advice you can use that to assess what's being said locally.

.

 

[poormansporsche]

When I said fake bolts I meant decorative bolts not structural "proper" split rim bolts Sorry for the confusion !

 

[lathemag]

Thanks to all those that replied. Thought it would be rude to ask for help and then not reply with the outcome. I got them powder coated in a shadow chrome finish in the end. The cosmetic bolts are out and I'll debate about putting them back in again at some point although you can only notice theyre missing if you're right up close looking directly into the hole. Here's a couple of pics anyway.

 

[K777GAV]

Thanks to all those that replied. Thought it would be rude to ask for help and then not reply with the outcome. I got them powder coated in a shadow chrome finish in the end. The cosmetic bolts are out and I'll debate about putting them back in again at some point although you can only notice theyre missing if you're right up close looking directly into the hole. Here's a couple of pics anyway.View attachment 86171 View attachment 86172

Great job, Im looking at getting my ones like this refurbed and these look ace!