Can I DIY these wheels?

OpenToSuggestions

OpenToSuggestions

OpenToSuggestions

Soldato
Joined
5 Aug 2006
Posts
11,433
Location
Derbyshire
Hey all.
The wheels on my Focus are on hell of a mess. They are not kerbed but have severe lacquer issues (diamond cut alloys). The rims around the edge have issues too, even though they have never been kerbed.
I have had a quote from Top Marques (a place recommended by OCUK Motors) for my wheels, but getting them refurbished, with sprayed centre caps is £320. The wheels would get sprayed this time not lacquered like Ford made them.

I am a DIY novice, but could I do these wheels myself and get a good result? Or are the issues so bad that I should spend the money on getting them sorted by an expert with the proper equipment?

Alternatively there are a pair of these wheels I can buy second hand that do have a slight kerbing and lacquer issues, but are in very good nick compared to these. I need new front tyres soon anyway.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayIS...akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Front Passenger side with close-up to show flaking and rim issue:
IMG_20120805_1101081.jpg
IMG_20120805_1101141.jpg

Front driver's side:
IMG_20120805_1101571.jpg

Centre caps:
IMG_20120805_1102151.jpg
IMG_20120805_1102221.jpg
 
I would get those Professionally done If I were you.

It's going to be a complete PITA trying to get into those tight gaps!
 
TaKeN said:
I would get those Professionally done If I were you.

It's going to be a complete PITA trying to get into those tight gaps!
Click to expand...

An alternative is getting used wheels of the same rolling diameter.
I think there are loads of 16-17 inch wheels that would fit this car without needing lowered suspension.

The wheels are not good looking anyway but they are absolutely ruined as they are.
 
Dont really see why you couldn't do them yourself, you'll be using a drill attachment anyway and cutting back through the corrosion, the gaps shouldn't really be an issue. You do need to take your time though - really you need another set of wheels for when the current ones are being sorted

Id just buy new centre caps from ebay or something though
 
If they were regular painted wheels I wouldn't be too worried but the diamond cut ones are a real pain to get looking nice, according to a quick google on other forums.
 
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Hi mate,

I thought your Focus looked really tidy yesterday... other than the wheels. They really let it down but I know Ford polished/diamond cut finishes do not stand the test of time so didn't comment.

Are there other styles of Ford alloys you prefer? Now would be a good time to change if so! Get a cheap tatty set off of eBay, have that set refurbished and new tyres. eBay your current set.

Having recently had my 530i alloys refurbished by Platinum Alloy Wheel Solutions in Swindon (previously a Lepsons franchise) I'd say go with the pro option. I briefly considered changing to 18" instead but the cost of wheels and addition tyre cost quickly put an end to that.

Mine were chemically dipped, powder coated and then lacquered. Look like brand new! I find I now park about 30cm away from kerbs though!
 
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Tesla said:
Snip
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Thanks :). I found out about the RR just two days in advance so next time i hope I can wash it first :p.
If you are around at the next meet I'd like to have a look at your 530i, I have never been in a 6 cylinder engined BMW!

I do prefer almost every other design of MK2 Focus alloy wheels over these ones. They really are not good looking alloys.
They are good though in the sense that the tyres are so deep that if you do encounter a kerb the tyre rubs on it rather than the wheel. I have done this a few times and been lucky enough to get away without damage. I am on a steep learning curve for kerb awareness as my old car had just battered old wheel trims that I didn't need to watch out for!

I will keep an eye out on ebay for a set of facelift MK2 alloys that need a refurb. If I type my registration into black circles I still have to choose whether the wheels are:
205/55R16 W 91
205/50R17 W 93
225/40R18 W 92

Would this mean that all these wheels would look fine on the regular Focus Ghia suspension? I don't want it looking like it is on stilts :p I hope all these wheels have the same running diameter.
As the car will never be an ST my only intentions of doing anything to it will be the wheels :).
 
To calculate the diameter...

(205mmx55%)x2+(16x25.4)=225.5+406.4=631.9mm
(205mmx50%)x2+(17x25.4)=205+431.8=636.8mm
(225mmx40%)x2+(18x25.4)=180+457.2=637.2mm

So well within tolerance
 
I'd have a quick check of tyre prices for the larger wheels. The Focus has quite big arches so 17's may look better.

I had 18's on my Mk4 Mondeo (same sort of style as the Focus ST alloys) and found the ride too harsh.

Not sure if ST alloys will look good on a non-ST? I quite like the design? You may be able to find a tidy set and then skip the refurb process.
 
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My suspension is quite firm on 16s so I do think the 18s would result in a hard ride.

I will probably stay with the current wheels, but I will keep an eye out on ebay for either some 17s either mint, or needing refurb and cheap.
 
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Tesla said:
Having recently had my 530i alloys refurbished by Platinum Alloy Wheel Solutions in Swindon (previously a Lepsons franchise) I'd say go with the pro option. I briefly considered changing to 18" instead but the cost of wheels and addition tyre cost quickly put an end to that.

Mine were chemically dipped, powder coated and then lacquered. Look like brand new! I find I now park about 30cm away from kerbs though!
Click to expand...

I'm looking for a good wheel refurbish, and Lepsons is a name that keeps coming up... but Swindon is a good bit nearer to me than kent!

You got anything to say against them?
 
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