3pc wheel painting issue

jinos · 03-11-2009, 08:22 PM

Hi guys. I did a search for 3pc wheel painting but can't find any. I'm having a problem masking the rivets and edge. Don't wanna take off the center pc. off. Is there anything you guys can recommend for masking? Any special tape that will bend and curve easily? Thanks for any advise you can give.

Jim Dorociak · 03-11-2009, 08:54 PM

To start off, it will be very difficult to repaint the centers and not disassemble your set of wheels. Depending on the manufacturer of your set some of the bolt heads are actually on the polished outer rim half, and other might have the bolt heads actually in the face of the center.

Questions - are your bolt heads rusty? Are your wheels straight? Is the clear coat cloudy? Chips in the paint? Some times you can use vinyl tape like electricians tape to tape off the wheel, but of course it depends on your wheels.
Jim

rnln · 03-11-2009, 11:39 PM

same shoes here. If you can find and info, please post.
Thanks.

KTL · 03-12-2009, 07:06 AM

If you've got BBS wheels, by not taking them apart you're making it harder than you need it to be.

Taking these wheels apart is as simple as it gets. Remove all the bolts and split the halves. I use a stiff paint scraper to wedge between the halves and center to break the bond of the silicone sealant. Use a light abrasive wheel on a drill to strip off the silicone sealant and then paint/polish the center & halves to your heart's desire.

Reassembly accomplished by simply applying a SMALL bead of automotive RTV silicone to the halves and then install bolts. Typical torque spec for a 10.9 property class, plated, dry, M7 bolt is approx 18 ft-lbs.

http://www.metricmcc.com/catalog/Ch10/10-1027.pdf

The torque spec is dependent on how hard the alloy rim halves are- you don't want to squish the relatively soft metal of the halves. The BBS centers are forged, so they are stronger. I sent a message to BBS Racing to inquire about the recommended torque spec. of the M7 assembly bolts. I doubt i'll get a response, but figured it can't hurt to ask.

1986911 · 1986911's Garage

I would strongly suggest taking the wheels apart. I had a friend talk me into doing it and they came out great. Check out the pictures these wheels were purchased in 1987. It is so much easier to polish the barrels once its taken apart. One word of advice is take the tires off before you break the wheels down. The torque on the barrels from the tire is enough twist them when the center is out. Once they are warped they are worthless. I was told this by a guy that polishes and repairs wheels for a living. Kinda makes sense. Good luck and post some pictures.

KTL · 03-16-2009, 09:32 AM

Well it's time for me to eat crow. I said BBS would likely not reply to my message- wrong. I said in my message that I understand for liability/street licensing reasons, BBS does not offer replacement parts nor offer technical support for the BBS street wheels, I simply asked what the torque spec. would be for the original 10.9 property class M7 bolts. Here's the reply I got.

Hello Kevin,
thanks for your mail and interest in BBS Wheels.

There is no official torque given by BBS (for the reasons you know), but to take 18 - 20 ft-lb is quite a proper torque.

Regards
Klaus Morhammer
Hottinger&Morhammer GbR
BBS RACING WHEELS
P1548 D—82120 Gauting
Fon +49-89-89309650
Fax +49-89-89309651
info "at" bbs-racing-wheels "dot" com

Best part is the guy's name. Klaus More Hammer. That's the coolest name i've ever heard.........